Piper PA 32R N185DX accident near Alpine, Texas

Probable cause

The engine’s decreased performance due to high-density altitude conditions and a partially obstructed fuel injector nozzle. Contributing to the pilot's decision to perform an off-field landing was the anomalous high exhaust gas temperature reading.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot and passenger had just departed for a personal flight. The pilot reported that the takeoff roll required "a good bit of runway." The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, he noted that the exhaust gas temperature (EGT) was "pegged," so he reversed course to return to the airport. He was not able to find a "responsive power setting" and adjusted the mixture in attempt to cool the engine. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the high EGT without result, and he subsequently conducted a precautionary off-field, gear-up landing, during which the right wing and fuselage sustained substantial damage.

Postaccident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 6 fuel injector nozzle was partially obstructed. It is likely that the partially obstructed fuel injector nozzle and the high-density altitude, which was calculated to be 5,750 ft at the time of the accident, resulted in less-than-expected engine performance. During a postaccident engine run, the engine ran normally; however, the EGT was providing anomalous indications. Therefore, the information provided to the pilot by the EGT during the flight was likely anomalous; however, the pilot had no way of knowing this, and it likely contributed to his decision to perform an off-field landing. The decreased engine performance was not supported by any of the other engine gauges.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA186 for the full record.