Pilot Debrief

AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200 near Jiggs, NV — 2017-01-28

Final reportWPR17LA062
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Date
2017-01-28
Location
Jiggs, NV, USA
Aircraft
AVIAT AIRCRAFT INC A-1C-200
Registration
N382US
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

An engine anomaly for reasons that could not be determined, which resulted in a precautionary landing in deep snow and a subsequent noseover.

NTSB narrative

The private pilot reported that, about 10 minutes after departing for a personal, local flight and when the airplane was about 1,000 ft above ground level, the engine began running roughly, and the rpm surged several times despite the engine monitoring gauges all indicating normal operation. The pilot chose to make a precautionary landing on a snow-covered dirt airstrip. The pilot reported that, after reducing power to land, he did not recall the engine experiencing further roughness or surging. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over in the deep snow and then came to rest inverted. During postaccident test runs, the engine ran normally through various power settings with no anomalies noted that would have precluded normal operation. The reason for the engine momentarily running roughly and surging could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have continued to a better landing site instead of landing in snow.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 2 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents2

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