Forced landing following engine power surge

Casualties unknown • Smoketown, PA, US

A flight instructor performed a forced landing after experiencing an unidentified engine power surge and yaw during a climb.

What happened

Following departure from the runway, the flight instructor experienced a sudden power surge accompanied by a yawing motion. The instructor was unable to determine which engine was malfunctioning at the time of the event. After verifying that all engine controls were in the proper positions, the instructor took control of the aircraft from the student pilot.

In an attempt to maintain altitude, the instructor retracted the landing gear to reduce aerodynamic drag and continued the climb. However, the airspeed began to decay toward the minimum controllable airspeed. Consequently, the instructor elected to perform a forced landing. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing sequence.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to identify any mechanical discrepancies. The inspection revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction in the engines or related systems.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-08-18 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Smoketown, PA?

A flight instructor performed a forced landing after experiencing an unidentified engine power surge and yaw during a climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-08-18 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N40504, at Smoketown, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power during the climb for undetermined reasons, resulting in a forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050901X01357. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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