Pilot Debrief

FERENCE JOHN W THATCHER CX4A near Hebron, OH — 2015-08-31

Final reportCEN15LA391
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Date
2015-08-31
Location
Hebron, OH, USA
Airport
9OA5
Aircraft
FERENCE JOHN W THATCHER CX4A
Registration
N443JF
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because a postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot was taking off for a personal local flight. The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot restarted the engine, but it then lost power again. The airplane subsequently descended into a cornfield and came to rest upright. An examination of the airframe revealed that the engine control cables were routed close to the left rudder pedal; however, it could not be determined if the control cables' location caused them to move and contributed to the loss of engine power. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of serious carburetor icing at glide power. However, the airplane was taking off, and the engine would not have been at glide power; therefore, it is not likely that carburetor ice caused the loss of engine power. 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 initial engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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