Piper PA-28-181 N512AF accident near Somerville, New Jersey

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to an undetermined fuel delivery issue.

NTSB analysis

The flight instructor reported that they observed a group of deer on the runway while landing. They initiated a go-around; during the climb-out, the engine lost power. The instructor took over control of the airplane and maneuvered back toward the airport to land on a grass runway. Unable to maintain altitude, the airplane collided with trees.

Maintenance records documented two previous reports that included low oil pressure, a rough-running engine at idle power, and momentary engine roughness in flight, which could not be replicated during maintenance troubleshooting.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed the fuel system was intact, with no contamination or obstructions, and the engine controls were found properly positioned and unrestricted. During a test run of the engine, an intermittent loss of power was observed when the electric fuel boost pump was off, suggesting a potential fuel delivery issue. A subsequent bench test of the engine-driven fuel pump revealed that it operated normally. A teardown examination of the engine’s fuel servo revealed that it exhibited evidence of fuel contamination, possibly related to a previous flooding condition, though the source of the contamination could not be precisely determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA369 for the full record.