Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-181 near Columbus, GA — 2013-07-27

Final reportERA13LA337
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Date
2013-07-27
Location
Columbus, GA, USA
Airport
CSG
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-181
Registration
N371JB
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's delayed decision to abort the takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the airplane's perceived lack of performance for reasons that could not be determined due to insufficient information.

NTSB narrative

Another pilot reported that she had aborted a takeoff on a previous flight in the accident airplane when she felt that the engine was not developing sufficient power. The accident pilot subsequently arrived at the airport, they "checked everything again," and he attempted to take off. However, both pilots again "felt the same thing," and the accident pilot aborted that takeoff attempt. The accident pilot subsequently attempted to take off again, but, after feeling that the engine was not developing enough power, he decided to land straight ahead. During the landing, the airplane bounced once and overran the runway end; it then pivoted 180 degrees before coming to a stop. The accident pilot also indicated that he and the other pilot originally thought that there was an airspeed indication problem. The accident pilot looked at the pitot head after his first aborted takeoff and noticed debris, which he removed. He then performed a high-speed taxi test to ensure that the airspeed indicator was functioning properly before the final takeoff attempt. The airplane was sold for parts before it could be further examined for possible performance-related anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Abort takeoff after first attempt due to insufficient engine power.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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