Piper PA-28R-180 N3713T accident near Broomfield, Colorado

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to a collapsed induction hose that blocked engine intake airflow.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, when the airplane was about 200 ft above ground level (AGL), the engine sustained a partial loss of power. He was not able to climb or maintain altitude and executed a forced landing. During the landing the airplane nosed over into a pond, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. Recorded flight data was consistent with the pilot’s description of events, but no recorded engine data was available. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the interior liner of the induction air hose between the air filter and the throttle body was partially collapsed inward. The exterior of the hose did not display obvious damage. No further preimpact anomalies that would explain the reported loss of engine power were found. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive for carburetor icing at glide and cruise power settings, but not at the full power setting that would be used for takeoff and initial climb.

Based on the available evidence, the partially collapsed induction hose likely collapsed further, blocking airflow to the carburetor and resulting in the loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN22LA421 for the full record.