Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 152 near Carlsbad, CA — 2008-09-22

Final reportLAX08LA299
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Date
2008-09-22
Location
Carlsbad, CA, USA
Airport
CRQ
Aircraft
CESSNA 152
Registration
N271RJ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The loss of engine power during takeoff for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

During takeoff the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine without success and then began maneuvering the airplane away from power transmission lines. A witness observed the airplane flying slowly and emanating an "underpowered" sound. The airplane then began a descending right turn, and collided with rising terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage structure. On a prior flight earlier in the day the pilot reported having problems starting the engine, as well as encountering excessive engine roughness while performing the magneto check. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot again encountered engine roughness during the magneto check, which he resolved by running the engine for 5 minutes at a lean mixture and increased engine rpm. Examination of the engine and airframe revealed no obvious evidence of premishap mechanical malfunction or failure.

NTSB coding

View NTSB final report

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