Piper PA28 N7080F accident near Shreveport, Louisiana

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on a postmaintenance check flight after an annual inspection on the previous day. According to the pilot, the airplane was flown in the local traffic pattern before departing the area. As the airplane climbed through 2,500 ft, it was not climbing more than 300 ft per minute without losing airspeed, and the pilot noticed a decrease in engine rpm. The pilot indicated that the oil pressure and oil temperature were normal, the vacuum gauge indicated "zero," and gyroscopic instruments began to drift and tumble. The pilot proceeded directly for the nearest airport, and when on final approach for the runway, the engine rpm and airspeed decreased. The engine did not respond to throttle inputs, and the pilot landed the airplane on a river levy. The airplane bounced, contacted a road, and came to rest against the airport perimeter fence, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. Examination of the engine revealed that the output shaft of the vacuum pump was sheared. It could not be determined if the vacuum pump output shaft failed before or during the accident sequence. Additional engine information was not available. The reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN18LA281 for the full record.