Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-12 near Ebeemee Township, ME — 2023-02-25

Final reportERA23LA133
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Date
2023-02-25
Location
Ebeemee Township, ME, USA
Aircraft
PIPER PA-12
Registration
N4433M
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A partial power loss of engine power during initial climb for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot was departing from a fly-in event on a frozen lake. During the initial climb, at an altitude of about 150 feet, the engine suddenly lost power completely. The pilot attempted to turn the airplane away from trees that were ahead but hesitated to lower the airplane’s nose. The airplane subsequently encountered and aerodynamic stall and impacted the ice below, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, the temperature and dewpoint were not favorable to the formation of carburetor icing. Based on the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot hesitated to lower the nose to maintain airspeed after engine failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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