Engine failure during go-around leads to collision with telephone wires

Casualties unknown • Columbia, CA, US

An engine failure occurred during a go-around maneuver, resulting in the pilot attempting an emergency landing on a road and striking telephone wires.

What happened

Prior to departure, the pilot topped off both fuel tanks. The flight lasted three hours, arriving at the destination with a calculated two hours of fuel remaining.

During the final approach, the pilot was high on the glide path and initiated a go-around. After applying full power, the pilot established a positive rate of climb and retracted the flaps. While the aircraft was still on the upwind, the engine sputtered once; approximately one to two seconds later, the engine sputtered again and ceased operation.

Following a descending left turn, the pilot attempted to land the aircraft on a road. During this sequence, the aircraft collided with telephone wires. The impact caused damage to both fuel tanks, resulting in the loss of all fuel.

The investigation

An examination of the engine and the aircraft revealed no mechanical discrepancies. Following minor installation repairs, the engine was successfully test-run. Investigators also analyzed temperature and dew point data from three nearby locations. Based on an icing probability chart, there was a possibility of light carburetor icing occurring during glide conditions.

Probable cause

The possibility of light carburetor icing during the descent following the engine failure.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-07-06 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Columbia, CA?

An engine failure occurred during a go-around maneuver, resulting in the pilot attempting an emergency landing on a road and striking telephone wires.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-07-06 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N3837N, operated by Air Desert Pacific, at Columbia, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The possibility of light carburetor icing during the descent following the engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12944. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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