Piper PA 32R-300 N4646F accident near West Jordan, Utah

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined due to the severity of the damage to the engine.

NTSB analysis

Witnesses located adjacent to the accident site reported that they observed the airplane depart, and that, as it was climbing, they heard the pilot state, "emergency," several times on the airport's common traffic advisory frequency; however, the pilot did not specify the nature of the emergency. The airplane subsequently struck a light post and then landed in an open soccer field south of the airport, and a postimpact fire ensued. Other witnesses located at the airport reported that the engine seemed to be backfiring throughout the entire takeoff and accident sequence. The pilot reported that he recalled the initial takeoff sequence and making the distress call; however, he did not recall the nature of the emergency or the accident sequence.

Postaccident examination of the airplane, flight control systems, engine, and propeller revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. Review of the airplane manufacturer's takeoff performance charts revealed that, at the time of the accident, the weather and environmental conditions were within the airplane's takeoff performance limitations. Given that the witnesses reported that the engine was backfiring and that the pilot declared an emergency, it is likely that the engine experienced a partial loss of power during initial climb. Due to the severity of the damage to the engine, the reason for the loss of power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR14LA336 for the full record.