# NTSB ERA14LA325: Piper PA 24-250, N5923P, Monroeville, AL, July 3, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: July 3, 2014, 11:00 local (16:00 UTC) - Place: Monroeville, AL - Coordinates: 31.454721, -87.361663 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.4547&lon=-87.3617&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach-VFR go-around: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report April 27, 2015 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 89601 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14LA325 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89601/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89601 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA325 ## Probable cause A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system revealed no anomalies. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Not determined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000): Not determined › Not determined · Unknown/Not determined (probable cause); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-250, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=7102404), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach-VFR go-around: Unknown or undetermined](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-250, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md?model=7102404), [All aircraft, 1,703 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/000/sequence.md) - [Landing: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-24-250, 55 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102404), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor reported that he and the pilot-rated passenger departed on a cross-country flight with 30 gallons of fuel in each of the two wing tanks. While the airplane was about 100 ft above the runway at the destination airport, the flight instructor applied full power to perform a go-around. When the airplane reached about 400 ft above ground level, the engine quit. The engine regained power briefly, but it then lost total power. The flight instructor subsequently conducted a forced landing, and the airplane impacted trees, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A postaccident examination of the airplane, engine, and fuel system revealed no malfunctions or anomalies. Although the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at descent power at the time of the accident, it could not be determined if the power loss was a result of carburetor ice. ## Factual narrative On July 3, 2014, about 1100 central daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250, N5923P, was substantially damaged during an aborted landing at Monroe County Airport (MVC), Monroeville, Alabama. The flight instructor and a pilot rated passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight originated from Shelby County Airport (EET) Alabaster, Alabama at 1000. According to a written statement by the flight instructor, he performed three landings at EET to obtain currency and subsequently departed for MVC with another pilot onboard. After arriving at MVC, the instructor configured the airplane for an RNAV/GPS approach to runway 03. About 100 feet (ft) above ground level (agl), the instructor initiated a go-around and retracted the landing gear and flaps. When the airplane reached about 400 ft agl the engine "sputtered, went quiet, came back on briefly, and then went quiet again." The instructor then switched fuel tanks and verified that the fuel boost pump was on. He also observed that the fuel mixture was set to rich and both magnetos were on. The instructor established best glide speed and selected a field to his right to conduct a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane impacted a tree, the left wing separated, and the airplane came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. A witness stated that the airplane engine started "sputtering" as it climbed away from the runway at an altitude of about 100 ft about 800 ft from the departure end of runway 03. The airplane then entered a level flight attitude and the sputtering ceased. The witness heard the engine functioning, but not at full power. The airplane climbed about 100 ft, began a right turn, and eventually started to descend until no longer in view. During a follow-up interview, the instructor stated that the purpose of the flight was to familiarize the pilot-rated passenger with the operation of the newly-installed global positioning system (GPS). Prior to the flight, the instructor visually inspected both wing tanks and estimated that each contained about 30 gallons of fuel. After starting the engine, the airplane sat at an idle power setting for about 30 minutes while the pilots configured the GPS prior to departure. They then completed three takeoffs and landings at EET prior to departing for MVC. The airplane was flown for a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes with the fuel selector on the left tank. The instructor also noted that he did not apply carburetor heat at any time following the loss of engine power. Examination of the airplane and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector (FAA) did not reveal any mechanical malfunctions which would have resulted in a loss of engine power. The crankshaft was rotated by hand at the propeller, andcontinuity was established through the powertrain to the valvetrain and the accessory section. Compression was confirmed on all cylinders, and the magnetos produced spark at all terminal leads. Fuel line continuity was tested from the bladder tanks to the carburetor and was absent of contamination. The fuel strainer was void of debris and the carburetor screen contained minor debris, but was not plugged. The carburetor had separated from the engine during the impact sequence; the floats were normal and there were no restrictions inside the needle and seat. There were some rust and debris particles in the bottom of the carburetor fuel bowl, which likely accumulated during postaccident storage of the wreckage. When the fuel boost pumps were connected to a 12 volt battery, both pumps produced suction at their respective inlets. A weather observation taken at Middleton Field Airport (GZH), Evergreen, Alabama, located 16 nautical miles east of the accident site, about the time of the accident reported wind from 350 degrees at 3 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; sky clear; temperature 27 degrees C, dewpoint 22 degrees C; altimeter 30.08 inches of mercury. According to the manufacturer's pilot's operating handbook, at a cruise altitude of 6,000 feet, under standard atmospheric conditions, and at about 2,200 rpm, the airplane's estimated fuel consumption was approximately 14 gallons per hour. Based on these values, the engine burned a total of about 22.4 gallons of fuel during 1 hour and 36 minutes of flight time. Review of an FAA carburetor icing envelope chart revealed a potential for serious icing at descent power given the atmospheric conditions present at the time of the accident. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N5923P](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5923P-2018-03-14), registration cancelled 2018-03-14, S/N 24-1010, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA 24-250 - Registry model: [Piper PA-24-250](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-24-250) (registry code 7102404) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-540-series) (registry code 41532, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 24-1010 - Year built: 1959 - Airframe hours: 5132 - Engines: LYCOMING O-540 A1A5 250 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: Vance Alexander - Registered owner: Majair LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, November 8, 2013, 21 hours before - Departed: EET, ALABASTER, AL - Destination: MVC, Monroeville, AL - Flight plan: IFR - Airport: MVC, Monroe County, runway 03, 6,028 × 100 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Handheld GPS, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 36; injuries: minor; military, commercial, flight instructor, airline transport; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, without waivers/limitations; last flight review May 22, 2013; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 4,435 total, 9 in this make and model, 2,703 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days - Pilot-rated passenger; age 70; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 27, 2014; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 820 total, 650 in this make and model, 700 as pilot in command, 10 in the last 90 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 30° at 7 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.07 inHg - Observed at: GZH, 16 nm away ## FAA reports on this event (1) The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs). - [Accident 20140703013639A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140703013639A), Jul 3, 2014: Piper PA-24-250, Monroeville, AL, Substantial damage. N5923P departed keet on an IFR flight plan to kmvc for the purpose of flight training on the use of a newly installed garmin 430 GPS. The CFI, who was… ## Docket (15 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 30, 2015, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89601. 11.2 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 855 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424162&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Redacted.PDF - FAA Inspector Statement (item 2, .PDF, 399 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424163&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Inspector%20Statement-Redacted.PDF - Record of Conversation - Pilot In Command (item 3, .PDF, 95 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424164&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Record%20of%20Conversation%20-%20Pilot%20In%20Command-Master.PDF - Pilot and Passenger Statements (item 4, .PDF, 543 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424165&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20and%20Passenger%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Witness Statements (item 5, .PDF, 480 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424166&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements-Redacted.PDF - Engine Examination Report (item 6, .PDF, 220 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424167&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Examination%20Report-Redacted.PDF - Weather Report and Record (item 7, .PDF, 420 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424168&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Report%20and%20Record-Master.PDF - Excerpt from Engine Logbook (item 8, .PDF, 625 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424169&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20from%20Engine%20Logbook-Redacted.PDF - NTSB Performance Calculations (item 9, .PDF, 178 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424170&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NTSB%20Performance%20Calculations-Master.PDF - Piper PA-24-250 Fuel System (item 10, .PDF, 218 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424171&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Piper%20PA-24-250%20Fuel%20System-Master.PDF - Piper PA-24-250 Engine Failure Emergency Procedures (item 11, .PDF, 256 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424172&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Piper%20PA-24-250%20Engine%20Failure%20Emergency%20Procedures-Master.PDF - Piper PA-24-250 Performance Charts (item 12, .PDF, 167 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424173&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Piper%20PA-24-250%20Performance%20Charts-Master.PDF - Release of Wreckage (item 13, .PDF, 190 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424174&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Wreckage-Redacted.PDF - Photo 1 - Airplane at Accident Site (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 14, .PDF, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424175&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%201%20-%20Airplane%20at%20Accident%20Site%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF - Photo 2 - Airplane at Recovery Facility (Photo Courtesy of FAA) (item 15, .PDF, 3.6 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40424176&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%202%20-%20Airplane%20at%20Recovery%20Facility%20(Photo%20Courtesy%20of%20FAA)-Master.PDF From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.