Summary
On December 20, 2006, a Piper PA-22-150 (N5811D) was involved in an incident near Cheyboygan, MI. All 2 people aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the soft terrain encountered during the lanidng.
The airplane encountered soft terrain during an off airport forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that while climbing, shortly after takeoff, he switched from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank. He stated that approximately three minutes later the engine lost power. The pilot stated he switched back to the left fuel tank, checked the magnetos, and switched on the carburetor heat, but was unable to regain power. He reported he made a turn back toward the airport to land. The airplane touched down in soft terrain approximately 300 feet short of the approach end of runway. The airport manager stated the airplane bounced, weathervaned and landed sideways which resulted in the right main gear collapsing and the nose gear buckling.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CHI07CA044. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N5811D.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the soft terrain encountered during the lanidng.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
The airplane encountered soft terrain during an off airport forced landing following a loss of engine power. The pilot reported that while climbing, shortly after takeoff, he switched from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank. He stated that approximately three minutes later the engine lost power. The pilot stated he switched back to the left fuel tank, checked the magnetos, and switched on the carburetor heat, but was unable to regain power. He reported he made a turn back toward the airport to land. The airplane touched down in soft terrain approximately 300 feet short of the approach end of runway. The airport manager stated the airplane bounced, weathervaned and landed sideways which resulted in the right main gear collapsing and the nose gear buckling. The right wing and propeller contacted the ground as the airplane slid. Post accident inspection of the airplane and engine by inspectors from the Federal Aviation Administration, Grand Rapids, Michigan Flight Standards District Office failed to reveal any mechanical failure/malfunction which would have resulted in the loss of engine power.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI07CA044