Twin-engine aircraft impacts trees following loss of engine power

Casualties unknown • Bridgeport, TX, US

An instructional flight ended in a runway undershoot after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power from the right engine during a turn to the base leg.

What happened

During an instructional flight, a twin-engine airplane was operating within the traffic pattern. A private pilot was at the controls receiving instruction when the aircraft took off and remained in the pattern.

As the aircraft began the turn to the base leg, it experienced a sudden loss of altitude. The flight instructor subsequently took control of the aircraft and applied full power, feathered the right engine, and retracted the flaps. Despite these actions, the airplane impacted trees short of the runway.

There were no fatalities or injuries reported in the accident.

Probable cause

The cause of the loss of power in the right engine remained undetermined at the time of the report.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-07-21 Piper PA-23 accident near Bridgeport, TX?

An instructional flight ended in a runway undershoot after the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power from the right engine during a turn to the base leg.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-07-21 involved a Piper PA-23, registration N3154P, at Bridgeport, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the loss of power in the right engine remained undetermined at the time of the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10586. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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