Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The pilot completed a 25-minute flight before a passenger boarded the airplane for the accident flight. After a normal takeoff, the engine lost all power during the initial climb. The pilot switched the fuel selector to the other tank. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot attempted to land in an open field to the left of the departure runway; the airplane landed hard, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of a preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure, and the exact quantity of fuel onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined due to impact damage. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA19LA135 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 24, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Blanch, North Carolina
- Nearest airport
- Private Airstrip (PVT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 1
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA22
- N-number
- N1933P
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1955
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.