Pilot Debrief

BEECH E33 near Greeley, CO — 2012-09-26

Final reportCEN12LA675
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Date
2012-09-26
Location
Greeley, CO, USA
Airport
GXY
Aircraft
BEECH E33
Registration
N7133N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during postaccident examinations and testing.

NTSB narrative

Before the flight, a mechanic assisted the pilot with adjusting the engine mixture settings during several engine starts and run-ups. The pilot was satisfied with the adjustments and proceeded with the local test flight. Witnesses reported observing the airplane climb out normally and then start to circle the airport. The airplane then descended toward the airport as the pilot declared an emergency due to engine problems. The pilot landed the airplane in a plowed field with the gear up, which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that may have contributed to the reported loss of power. Additionally, the slave propeller was replaced, and the engine was test run on the airframe up to full power with no anomalies noted except for slight fuel flow indicator fluctuations.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have opted for further engine checks before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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