Casualties unknown

2003-11-20: Piper PA-44-180 (N971PA) — Phoenix, AZ

Phoenix, AZ, US

On November 20, 2003, a Piper PA-44-180 (registration N971PA) was involved in an aviation accident near Phoenix, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the flight instructor's inadequate supervision of the flight and delayed remedial action, which resulted in a loss of directional control. The reason for the partial power loss in the left engine was not determined. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During a multi-engine training stage-check, the left engine lost power about five seconds into the takeoff roll. The airplane veered left, departed the runway, collapsing the right main gear and impacting the right engine.

Flight Details

The flight was conducted as an intermediate stage-check for a student pilot, preparing for a multi-engine checkride. The preflight inspection and engine run-up were completed without any anomalies.

Sequence of Events

Approximately five seconds after the takeoff roll began, the left engine lost power. The airplane immediately veered to the left. The certified flight instructor (CFI), who was also on board, assumed control of the aircraft and closed both throttles. Despite this action, the airplane continued turning left and departed the runway surface.

Post-Accident Examination

After the airplane came to a stop, the left engine was found to be idling. The right main landing gear had collapsed, and the right engine had impacted the ground, causing it to stop. Following the accident, the left engine was test-run, and no mechanical malfunctions were identified.

The exact cause of the left engine power loss was not determined from the available information.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031201X01971. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.