Engine Power Loss During Touch-and-Go Landing Results in Nosedown Accident

Casualties unknown • Blaine, WA, US

During a training flight involving touch-and-go landings, an aircraft experienced an unexplained loss of engine power on the third takeoff attempt. The pilot executed a forced landing on uneven terrain, resulting in significant structural damage to the airframe and landing gear.

What happened

The pilot was conducting a series of touch-and-go landings when the incident occurred during the third takeoff phase. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft's engine experienced a complete loss of power. Unable to maintain altitude or return to the runway, the pilot initiated a forced landing on ground that was described as both rough and soft.

During the subsequent landing roll, the nose landing gear collapsed under the stress of the uneven surface. This failure caused the airplane to nosed over, coming to rest on its nose and forward fuselage. The impact resulted in significant structural deformation, specifically bending the left wing strut, the left wing spar, and the rudder.

The investigation

A thorough examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the extent of the damage and the cause of the engine failure. Investigators inspected the airframe for structural integrity and reviewed the engine components for signs of mechanical failure or fuel starvation. However, despite the physical evidence of the crash, the specific mechanical or operational reason for the sudden loss of engine power could not be definitively determined from the available data.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to this accident were the unexplained in-flight loss of engine power and the subsequent forced landing on unsuitable terrain. The collapse of the nose gear was a direct result of the hard impact with the rough ground, leading to the secondary damage observed on the wing and control surfaces. No further details regarding weather conditions or maintenance history were provided in the source material.

Probable cause

The unexplained loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent structural damage.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2006-12-22 Piper PA-22-150 accident near Blaine, WA?

During a training flight involving touch-and-go landings, an aircraft experienced an unexplained loss of engine power on the third takeoff attempt. The pilot executed a forced landing on uneven terrain, resulting in significant structural damage to the airframe and landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2006-12-22 involved a Piper PA-22-150, registration N7124D, at Blaine, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The unexplained loss of engine power during takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent structural damage.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070129X00103. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…