Piper PA32 N33354

Summary

On 8 September 2018 at about 02:03 local time, a Piper PA32 registered N33354 was involved in an accident near Roanoke, Texas, United States. 6 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 3 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

8 September 2018 at 02:03

Classification

Accident

Location

Roanoke, Texas, United States

Nearest airport

Aero Valley Airport (52F)

Coordinates

33.0511, -97.2319

Aircraft

Piper PA32

Registration

N33354

Category

Airplane

Year built

1975

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Roanoke → Glufport

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night

NTSB number

CEN18LA377

1 person was seriously injured.

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available evidence.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot and five passengers departed on a personal night cross-country flight. According to the pilot, the engine start and run-up were uneventful. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost total power, and the pilot was unable to maintain altitude. He conducted a forced landing, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. An engine examination revealed that the upper right spark plugs were in a worn-out normal condition and the lower spark plugs were in a worn-out severe condition. The lower spark plugs were replaced, and a test engine run was conducted; the engine started and ran without hesitation at various power settings. However, it was noted during the test that the engine would not run on the right magneto. Further examination of the right magneto found a failed magneto coil. Despite the failed coil on the right magneto and the spark plug condition, the engine ran at full power settings. No other anomalies were noted with the engine or fuel system that would have precluded normal operation. A failed magneto or the noted spark plug conditions would have resulted in a rough-running engine but not a complete loss of engine power as the pilot described. Thus, the reason for the total loss of power could not be determined.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.