Pilot Debrief

SOCATA TB 30 EPSILON near Kalamazoo, MI — 2019-11-01

Final reportCEN20LA017
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Date
2019-11-01
Location
Kalamazoo, MI, USA
Airport
AZO
Aircraft
SOCATA TB 30 EPSILON
Registration
N50TB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall during the pilot’s attempted forced landing at low altitude and impact with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, during the takeoff roll, the engine noise and airplane acceleration were normal; however, as the airplane climbed through 300 to 400 ft above ground level, the engine began to lose power, and the airplane could not maintain altitude. The pilot said that as the airplane neared the ground, he attempted to reduce the descent rate by flaring as much as possible, but the airplane stalled and impacted the ground with a “great deal of force” and slid to a stop, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination revealed no fuel in the fuel supply line leading to the engine for undetermined reasons. No other anomalies were noted during the examination, but a comprehensive engine exam was not performed, and the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have extended flaps to increase lift during initial climb.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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