Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
NTSB analysis
The pilot in the left seat was receiving his flying club annual review. Following local airwork, the pilot entered the traffic pattern for touch-and-go landings. The first two traffic patterns and landings were uneventful. Immediately after takeoff following the second landing, the engine lost power, momentarily recovered, then lost power again. Unable to make the runway, a forced landing was performed in an area adjacent to the runway. The airplane landed hard and came to a stop. The left wing buckled, left main landing gear was driven up into the wing, and the nose gear collapsed. An examination of the airplane at the accident site did not reveal a reason for the loss of power. There was adequate fuel on board the airplane and no contaminants were found. During a subsequent examination of the wreckage, the engine was successfully run on the airframe with fuel recovered from the wings. The flight was not operated in conditions conducive to carburetor icing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09LA137 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jasper, Georgia
- Nearest airport
- Pickens County (JZP)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N9459J
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.