What happened
On June 29, 2016, a flight instructor operating a Piper Arrow PA-28R experienced a sudden drop in engine power during flight. In response to the loss of performance, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing at the Częstochowa- राउतniki (EPRU) aerodrome.
Following the incident, all operations involving the aircraft were suspended for the remainder of the day. During a subsequent inspection conducted the following day, a mechanic from the maintenance organization identified white residue within the exhaust pipe and on the lower fuselage of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the physical evidence found during the post-flight inspection. The presence of white traces in the exhaust and on the airframe was analyzed to determine the nature of the engine malfunction. During testing following the discovery of these traces, the engine appeared to function normally, and the aircraft was subsequently returned to service.
Findings
- The investigation established that the engine power loss was caused by an excessive leaning of the fuel-air mixture.
- The white residue found in the exhaust and on the fuselage was a physical indicator of this over-leaned condition.