Primary finding
Probable cause
A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and three passengers departed on a local flight. After reaching a cruise altitude of 4,500 ft mean sea level, the engine started to lose power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and tried to restart the engine several times but was unsuccessful in those attempts. She tried to return to the departure airport but realized she would not be able to reach the runway and maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing into trees. The airplane subsequently collided with the trees and came to rest on its tail section, resulting in substantial damage. Postaccident examination of the engine confirmed continuity of the drivetrain and powertrain, with compression observed in each cylinder. The ignition system appeared intact and there was no evidence observed of any fuel or oil leakage. The examination did not reveal evidence of any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On September 1, 2023, about 2038 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N6868D, was substantially damaged when it was involved in accident near Cincinnati, Ohio. The pilot received minor injuries and the three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, she departed Cincinnati Municipal Airport/Lunken Field (LUK), Cincinnati, Ohio, about 2010 for a local flight with friends. During cruise flight, at an altitude of 4,500 ft mean sea level, the engine started “sputter” and there was a smell of “burning and avgas.” The pilot made the decision to return to LUK. She contacted the LUK tower about 10 miles away and informed them of the engine trouble. She called the tower again 5 miles from the airport, stated that she experienced complete engine failure, and was heading for the river for a forced landing. She subsequently contacted the tower again and stated that she was unable to reach the river and would be going down in trees about 5 miles from the airport. She secured the engine and the airplane collided with trees and came to rest on its tail section, resulting in substantial damage to the empennage, tail section, and wings. The pilot stated that after the engine started to sputter, she switched from the right tip tank to the left main tank, then the right main tank, and subsequently the left tip tank during her troubleshooting attempts. Postaccident examination of the engine established compression in each of the cylinders and continuity to the accessory drive section, as the magnetos’ impulse couplings could be heard when the propeller was rotated by hand. The spark plug wires appeared new and in good condition. The fuel flow divider, nor injectors showed any signs of fuel leakage. The propeller blades were straight and not damaged. The spinner dome was impact damaged on one side. There were no signs of oil leakage around the engine. No anomalies were noted with the engine that would have precluded normal operation.