Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA32RT near Vinemont, AL — 2021-02-20

Final reportERA21FA133
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Date
2021-02-20
Location
Vinemont, AL, USA
Airport
CMD
Aircraft
PIPER PA32RT
Registration
N10KV
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Fatal
Fatalities
2
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB narrative

The purpose of the flight was a pre-sale demonstration of the airplane with the owner/seller in the right seat, and the potential buyer in the left seat. The pilots performed one touch-and-go landing, then the airplane impacted terrain on the downwind leg of the subsequent traffic pattern. The owner told first responders that the airplane had lost engine power. The airplane was consumed by a postcrash fire, which resulted in extensive damage to the airframe and engine. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel selector was in the “off” position. There were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane or engine, and the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined. The owner’s postaccident toxicology was positive for gabapentin, which can cause dizziness; however, he reported no side effects from use of this medication, and it is unlikely that his use of gabapentin contributed to the accident.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Owner should have ensured the aircraft was airworthy before the flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents15

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