Forced landing on city street following power loss

Casualties unknown • San Diego, CA, US

A pilot performed an emergency forced landing on a city street after experiencing a partial and then complete loss of engine power during the initial climb.

What happened

During the takeoff initial climb at 1,500 feet MSL, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power. In response to this power loss, the pilot applied carburetor heat, activated the electric fuel pump, switched from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank, and checked the position of the magneto switch. Approximately two minutes after the initial partial power loss, the aircraft suffered a complete loss of power.

The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing on a city street. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the aircraft. On the ground, the landing caused minor damage to three parked cars and a bus stop passenger bench. No injuries were reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-09 Piper PA-24-250 accident near San Diego, CA?

A pilot performed an emergency forced landing on a city street after experiencing a partial and then complete loss of engine power during the initial climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-09 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N711EW, at San Diego, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08672. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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