Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-22-150 near Greenfield, IN — 2012-05-26

Final reportCEN12LA332
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Date
2012-05-26
Location
Greenfield, IN, USA
Airport
GFD
Aircraft
PIPER PA-22-150
Registration
N9815D
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he conducted an engine run-up, which included a carburetor heat check, without any anomalies. The pilot stated that the taxi distance from the run-up location to the takeoff position was about 200 feet, and the start of the takeoff was not delayed for any reason. The ground roll was slightly longer than normal, which did not initially concern the pilot. However, after the airplane lifted off, it did not accelerate as usual. The pilot was able to clear an intervening set of power lines, but was unable to gain enough airspeed to sustain a climb. The pilot stated that he was concerned about inducing an aerodynamic stall by attempting to climb over the approaching tree line, and he elected to maintain controlled flight into the trees. A postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when ground roll was longer than normal.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 8 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents8

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