Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to a loose carburetor bowl.
NTSB analysis
Shortly after takeoff on the instructional flight, the engine lost total power. The flight instructor took the airplane controls and returned to the airport for a forced landing, during which the airplane landed hard on a taxiway, resulting in substantial damage.
Postaccident examination revealed that the carburetor bowl was loose and displayed evidence of a fuel leak. The leak likely resulted in fuel flow irregularities and the loss of engine power. Although service bulletins had been published by both the carburetor and engine manufacturer to address this issue, there was no evidence to suggest that the accident airplane had undergone the inspections specified by the service bulletins.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR19LA050 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 23, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Ana, California
- Nearest airport
- John Wayne Airport (KSNA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA28
- N-number
- N15321
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1972
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.