Piper PA28 N8208N accident near Justin, Texas

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons based upon the available information.

NTSB analysis

The pilot stated that he and a passenger were to conduct three takeoffs and landings in preparation for the airplane to be sold. Immediately after the third takeoff, when the airplane was about 45 ft above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power. The left wing dropped, and the airplane descended into trees. The left wing separated at the wing root during the accident sequence and the airplane came to rest suspended in the trees. The pilot stated that the airplane had not received an annual inspection in about 7 years and had not been flown much in recent years.

A basic postaccident examination found that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. There was a smell of fuel at the accident site. The left fuel tank was intact and contained about 1 gallon of fuel. The right fuel tank was breached and did not contain any fuel. The fuel selector was positioned to the right tank.

The pilot was contacted via email and phone on multiple occasions but did not submit the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form 6120.1. The airplane was moved to private property and the NTSB was unable to examine the wreckage.

Based on the limited available evidence, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA249 for the full record.