Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32 near Lincoln, IL — 2023-03-30

Final reportCEN23LA145
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Date
2023-03-30
Location
Lincoln, IL, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA32
Registration
N56793
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during an approach for landing for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot and the flight instructor departed for the local area flight to conduct instrument training. After completion of the instrument training, the pilot, acting as the pilot-in-command, performed takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach. While on the final approach, the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a parking lot. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. While the airplane was likely operating in an area conducive to the formation of carburetor icing (for glide and cruise power) and serious carburetor icing (for glide power), the pilot reported he had previously activated the carburetor heat. The pilot reported that all four fuel tanks were full before the flight. Both wing fuel tanks were breached from the accident sequence, no fuel was able to be recovered, and the fuel amount onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. However, it could not be determined if the selector was possibly moved into this position while in flight or if the selector was possibly moved into this position after the impact. The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel selector position before final approach.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • ADS-B / radar
  • Photos
  • 12 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents12

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