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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 11, 2020 · Piper PA32 260 · N3595W

Atlanta, GA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 11, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Atlanta, GA
Aircraft
Piper PA32 260 (1966)
Tail Number
N3595W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA21LA019

The commercial pilot reported that, after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. With limited runway remaining, the pilot decided to make a forced landing during which the airplane departed the runway and traveled about 200 ft into the grass. During the runway excursion the airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. A postaccident engine test run revealed that the right magneto exhibited a drop off of 245 rpm, which exceeded the airplane manufacturer’s ground check guidance. Furthermore, the timing of the right magneto could not be determined because the contact points would not open far enough. The left magneto operated normally and had proper timing. It is likely that the anomaly observed with the right magneto resulted in a partial loss of engine power, the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff, and the subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a right magneto anomaly, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent runway excursion.

Full Narrative

On October 11, 2020, about 0810 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3595W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK), Atlanta, Georgia. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. According to the pilot, he landed at PDK on the day before the accident and requested that the airplane fuel tanks be topped off. On the day of the accident, the pilot performed a preflight inspection with no anomalies noted. He taxied the airplane to runway 21R, advanced the throttle to full power for takeoff, and noted that “the RPMs were producing full power, temps [temperatures] and pressures where in range and that airspeed was alive and increasing as normal.” The pilot stated that, after takeoff, the airplane continued to accelerate normally until it was about 150 to 200 ft above ground level. At that time, the pilot noted an “abrupt reduction in engine noise.” The pilot decided to make a forced landing, and the airplane touched down on the runway. The airplane then departed the end of the runway and traveled about 200 ft into the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage. A postaccident engine run was performed. When the magnetos were checked, the right magneto drop off was 245 rpm. The oil filter was examined, and small ferrous and nonferrous particles were noted. A cylinder compression check was performed, and low compression was noted in cylinders Nos. 2 and 4. The magneto timing was checked, and the left magneto was timed to 25° from top dead center. The right magneto contact points would not open far enough to check the timing. The engine controls were examined, and no anomalies were noted. Furthermore, the mechanic performing the engine rebuilding work after the accident noted that four cylinders “showed signs of extreme heat.” The cylinder bores had grooves, and the interior marks “appeared fresh” with “no signs of smoothing” from operation. In addition, multiple “substantial” intake system leaks were noted. According to the Sky Ranch Engineering Manual, high cylinder temperature could be a result of an improperly timed engine. According to the Piper PA-32-260 owner’s handbook, during a ground check, a “drop off on either magneto should not exceed 125 RPM.”

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 EDT
Nearest AirportDekalb-Peachtree Airport (0.5nm SSW)
Runway21R
Runway Length3746 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA32 260
Tail NumberN3595W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-540-E4B5 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 45 · Basc · None
Crew 2None
Crew 3None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind150° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 1000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point70 F / 68 F
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time07:53

Appendix: Source Data