Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28 near Columbus, GA — 2016-11-23

Final reportERA17LA057
Sign in to save
Date
2016-11-23
Location
Columbus, GA, USA
Airport
CSG
Aircraft
PIPER PA28
Registration
N41565
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor reported that ground operations were normal and that he observed 18 gallons of fuel in each wing tank. The engine started normally, and the magneto checks were within limits. During the initial climb after takeoff, about 1 mile past the departure end of the runway, the engine vibrated and experienced a total loss of power. He assumed the controls from the pilot receiving instruction, and confirmed the fuel selector position, checked to ensure the fuel pump was on, and turned on the carburetor heat. The engine did not regain power, and the airplane continued straight ahead until it settled into trees. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preaccident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel tanks were breached during the accident sequence. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at glide power. However, given that the engine did not respond after the application of carburetor heat and it was operating at takeoff power, it is unlikely that the loss of engine power was due to carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Fuel management decision could have been made before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps