Pilot Debrief

DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 20-C1 near Newnan, GA — 2011-10-17

Final reportERA12LA034
Sign in to save
Date
2011-10-17
Location
Newnan, GA, USA
Airport
CCO
Aircraft
DIAMOND AIRCRAFT IND INC DA 20-C1
Registration
N828MA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

Following a solo flight to a nearby airport, the student pilot returned to the origination airport for pattern work. After one full stop landing, he attempted another takeoff. About 400 feet above the ground, the engine began to lose power. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful, so the pilot set up for a forced landing in a field. The airplane struck trees during the landing and remained lodged in the trees, sustaining substantial damage to the airframe. A postaccident examination revealed that the fuel tanks were half-full of fuel. No evidence of fuel contamination or starvation was found. The engine was successfully test run on the airframe. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after engine power loss at 400 feet.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

Related mishaps