# NTSB ERA17LA057: Piper PA28, N41565, Columbus, GA, November 23, 2016 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 23, 2016, 18:03 local (23:03 UTC) - Place: Columbus, GA - Coordinates: 32.497776, -84.971389 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4978&lon=-84.9714&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 2 uninjured - Status: Completed, report March 5, 2018 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 94425 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA17LA057 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/94425/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94425 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA17LA057 ## Probable cause A total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. ## 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-28-140, 27 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 2,247 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/05000000/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Contributed to outcome; cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Initial climb: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341) (defining event); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 42 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 56 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Piper PA-28-140, 137 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=7102802), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The flight instructor reported that ground operations were normal and that he observed 18 gallons of fuel in each wing tank. The engine started normally, and the magneto checks were within limits. During the initial climb after takeoff, about 1 mile past the departure end of the runway, the engine vibrated and experienced a total loss of power. He assumed the controls from the pilot receiving instruction, and confirmed the fuel selector position, checked to ensure the fuel pump was on, and turned on the carburetor heat. The engine did not regain power, and the airplane continued straight ahead until it settled into trees. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal evidence of any preaccident malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The fuel tanks were breached during the accident sequence. The atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious icing at glide power. However, given that the engine did not respond after the application of carburetor heat and it was operating at takeoff power, it is unlikely that the loss of engine power was due to carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. ## Factual narrative On November 23, 2016, at 1803 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, N41565, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Columbus Airport (CSG), Columbus, Georgia. The flight instructor and a private pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was registered to a corporation and was operated by the flight instructor under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Night, visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.The flight instructor reported that ground operations were normal, and 18 gallons of fuel were observed in each wing tank. The engine started normally, and the magneto checks were within limits. During the initial climb after takeoff, about 1 mile past the departure end of runway 24, the engine vibrated and experienced a total loss of power. The flight instructor assumed the controls and confirmed the fuel selector position, checked the fuel boost pump on, and turned on the carburetor heat. The pilot turned off the carburetor heat after the engine did not respond. The engine did not regain power and the airplane continued straight-ahead until it settled into the trees. The airplane fell for about 4-5 seconds and then came to an abrupt stop. After securing the engine and fuel system, the pilots exited the airplane and were met by first responders. An inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) responded to the accident site and examined the wreckage. Structural damage to the wings and fuselage was confirmed. Initial examination of the engine and fuel system did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction. The fuel tanks were breached during the impact sequence and contained no fuel. The fuel strainer was dry and free of contaminants. Follow-up examinations of the engine were performed by the FAA inspector and the NTSB investigator-in-charge. Impact damage to the forward section of the engine prevented rotation of the crankshaft; therefore, internal continuity of the engine was not confirmed. A visual examination of the exterior of the engine revealed no holes in the crankcase or evidence of crankcase rupture. The engine contained oil. The carburetor was removed for examination. The accelerator pump operated normally and squirted fuel. The throttle linkage was intact. The carburetor inlet fuel screen was clean and unobstructed. The carburetor bowl was free of contamination. The top spark plugs were removed for examination. The No. 2 sparkplug exhibited normal wear when compared to a Champion Check-A-Plug chart. The electrode was coated with a thin layer of black soot. The other plugs were normal in wear and color. The ignition leads were undamaged. The magnetos remained securely attached to the engine. Visual examination of the interior of the cylinders showed normal piston deposits and no damage. The recorded weather at CSG, at 1751,included calm wind, temperature 66° F, and dew point 46° F. Review of an FAA Carburetor Icing Chart for the given temperature and dew point revealed that the conditions were conducive to serious icing at glide power. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N41565](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N41565-2017-12-14), registration cancelled 2017-12-14, S/N 28-7425260 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: PIPER PA28 (140) - Registry model: [Piper PA-28-140](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-28-140) (registry code 7102802) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 28-7425260 - Year built: 1974 - Airframe hours: 6118 - Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E3D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, November 10, 2016, 13 hours before - Departed: CSG, Columbus, GA - Destination: CSG, Columbus, GA - Airport: CSG, Columbus Airport, runway 24, 6,997 × 150 ft, asphalt - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Flight instructor; age 51; injuries: none; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine sea; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 8, 2015; seat: right; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 3,139 total, 1,200 in this make and model, 3,099 as pilot in command, 173 in the last 90 days, 54 in the last 30 days - Student pilot; age 19; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; seat: left; restraint: 3-point; flight hours: 82 total, 72 in this make and model, 12 as pilot in command ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night - Wind: 190° at 4 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 46 °F - Altimeter: 30.17 inHg - Observed at: CSG, 2 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 20161123018739A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20161123018739A), Nov 23, 2016: Piper PA-28-140, Columbus, GA, Destroyed. Shortly after takeoff from runway 24 at approximately 200 feet AGL aircraft engine began to lose power. The tower was advised the aircraft had an engine… ## Docket (6 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on December 21, 2017, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=94425. 4.1 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 412 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459019&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Pilot Written Statements (item 2, .PDF, 148 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459020&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%20Written%20Statements-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - Telephone Interview, FAA Inspector (item 3, .PDF, 300 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459021&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20Telephone%20Interview,%20FAA%20Inspector-Master.PDF - FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 (Carburetor Icing Prevention) (item 4, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459022&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=FAA%20Special%20Airworthiness%20Information%20Bulletin%20CE-09-35%20(Carburetor%20Icing%20Prevention)-Master.PDF - Memorandum for Record - NTSB Engine Examination (item 5, .PDF, 301 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459023&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Memorandum%20for%20Record%20-%20NTSB%20Engine%20Examination-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 6, .PDF, 10 photos, 2.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40459024&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-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.