Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss After Touch-and-Go Landing (N146P)

Provo, UT, US

On June 8, 2002, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N146P) was involved in an aviation accident near Provo, UT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the total loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power during climb following a touch-and-go landing. The aircraft came to rest off the runway. Examination revealed fuel discrepancies and the fuel selector in the left tank position.

Pre-Flight Information

Prior to departure, the pilot filled both fuel tanks with 33.13 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. After departure, the cockpit fuel quantity gauges indicated approximately three-quarters full rather than full. Despite this discrepancy, the pilot and passenger had visually confirmed that the tanks were topped off.

Flight Sequence

Before returning to the destination airport, the pilot elected to perform a touch-and-go landing at another airport. During the climb after this touch-and-go, the engine sputtered and then lost all power. The aircraft subsequently impacted the terrain and came to rest upright on the belly of the fuselage off the end of the runway.

Post-Accident Examination

Airport personnel examined the aircraft and found the left fuel tank contained approximately four inches of fuel, while the right fuel tank was empty. The fuel selector was observed to be in the left tank position.

Engine Testing

A test run of the engine on the aircraft revealed no anomalies.

Conclusion

The reason for the loss of engine power during the takeoff climb was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020611X00844. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.