Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28R-201 near Luray, VA — 2009-08-26

Final reportERA09LA494
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Date
2009-08-26
Location
Luray, VA, USA
Airport
W45
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28R-201
Registration
N186CF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The commercial-rated pilot receiving instruction and the certificated flight instructor (CFI) flew a 50-nautical mile flight to an outlying airport, then boarded the airplane for the return flight. The pilot observed normal indications on the engine instruments throughout the taxi and engine run-up. Shortly after takeoff, the airplane seemed "sluggish," the airspeed began to drop, and the airplane experienced a partial, then total, loss of engine power. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane clipped a telephone pole prior to impacting a clearing. The CFI stated that he observed no abnormal indications at any time prior to the initial loss of engine power during takeoff. During an engine test run subsequent to the accident, while operating at moderate power, the fuel flow gauge began fluctuating before the engine suddenly lost power. The engine was re-started and again lost power after about 2 minutes. The engine-driven fuel pump was removed and disassembled with no anomalies noted. The fuel line connecting the fuel pump to the fuel servo was removed and examined, and no evidence of blockage or degradation was observed. A visual inspection, flow test, and teardown inspection of the fuel servo and flow divider at the manufacturer's facility revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff when the airplane felt sluggish.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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