Piper PA28 N56466 accident near Taylor, Texas

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power due to an incorrect carburetor air inlet hose, which led to a reduction in air flow to the engine.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that during the carburetor heat check on the engine run-up, the engine sounded like it backfired and then lost rpm. A second carburetor heat check was performed, and the engine operated normally. During initial climb after takeoff there was a decrease in engine rpm. The pilot verified that the engine controls were full forward and executed a forced landing to a field. During the forced landing, the airplane struck the top of a berm, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the engine showed evidence that the engine had a rich fuel-air mixture present at the time of the accident. Following the examination, the engine was test run multiple times. During the test runs, the engine performed without hesitation or stumbling when repeated aggressive throttle movements were made.

Further examination showed that the carburetor air inlet hose was not the proper part and was not made to the manufacturer’s specifications. The engine was run without any notable issues when the carburetor air inlet hose was not attached. Due to the damage to the engine mount and cowlings, it was not possible to replicate the carburetor air inlet hose installation and failure mode at the time of the accident, but the effects of reduced airflow were demonstrated and were similar to the pilot’s reported loss of rpm. Based on the available information, the carburetor air inlet hose likely partially collapsed during the initial climb which resulted in a partial loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN24LA200 for the full record.