Piper PA46 N4385K accident near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined following a successful engine run.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he was performing a visual approach for landing when the engine lost total power. Unable to restore engine power, the pilot performed a forced landing to a river.

After recovery, the external engine components were dried, cleaned, and reinstalled (magnetos, fuel manifold), and the starter was replaced due to water immersion. The engine was then placed in a test cell where it started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption.

Radar and on-board data revealed that the airplane experienced lateral g-forces in the turn to final and during its approach in a gusting crosswind, consistent with a slip. Although the airplane’s operating handbook cautioned against prolonged slips or skids or other “radical or extreme maneuvers which could cause uncovering of the fuel outlet,” whether the slip during the accident flight was sufficient to uncover the fuel port and result in the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA20LA011 for the full record.