On May 12, 1988, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2601C) was involved in an aviation accident near Chesapeake, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control following an in-flight engine failure, with no evidence of a mechanical defect found during examination. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced engine power loss at approximately 300 feet above ground level during a touch-and-go maneuver. The pilot declared a mayday before the plane spun into the ground.
What happened
The pilot was conducting touch-and-go landings when the aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of engine power during the climbout phase. This event occurred at an estimated altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL). During the transmission of a mayday call, a witness reported hearing the stall horn activate. Following this announcement, the aircraft pitched downward and entered a spin before impacting the ground.
The investigation
A thorough mechanical examination of the engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. The inspection did not disclose any pre-existing failure or malfunction that would explain the sudden stoppage of the engine during flight operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control following an in-flight engine failure, with no evidence of a mechanical defect found during examination.