Piper PA-24 N88F accident near Millville, New Jersey

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The private pilot and flight instructor were conducting an instructional flight. The pilot reported that, before the flight, he conducted a preflight inspection and before-takeoff check, which were normal. During the initial climb and when the airplane was about 150 ft above ground level, the engine lost total power. The pilot chose to land the airplane straight ahead between two taxiways on the airport. The airplane impacted a grassy area and sustained substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.

An examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation, and there was sufficient fuel onboard at the time of the accident. Although the weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power, the pilot applied full power for takeoff; therefore, it is unlikely that carburetor ice formed during the takeoff sequence. The investigation could not determine the reason for the total loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16LA061 for the full record.