Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA28R near Panama City, FL — 2016-07-29

Final reportERA16LA276
Sign in to save
Date
2016-07-29
Location
Panama City, FL, USA
Airport
ECP
Aircraft
PIPER PA28R
Registration
N94JR
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power during approach for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

During an instructional flight, the pilot receiving instruction reduced engine power in preparation for an approach to the destination airport. He subsequently attempted to add power and level off; however, the engine was unresponsive and then lost total power. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and performed the engine failure checklist but was unsuccessful in restarting the engine. He was unable to glide the airplane to the destination airport and performed a forced landing in a wooded area about 3 miles from the runway, which resulted in damage to the wings. Examination of the wreckage at the accident site and again at a recovery facility revealed that the right fuel tank was breached and devoid of fuel. The left fuel tank remained attached and was nearly full of fuel. The fuel was clear and absent of water or visible contamination. Examination and testing of the fuel-injected engine, ignition system, and fuel system, including hand rotation of the propeller, did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Thus, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before descent to prevent engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

Related mishaps