Accident Details
Date
Friday, October 11, 2013
NTSB Number
WPR14CA013
Location
Cody, WY
Event ID
20131016X30057
Coordinates
44.750000, -110.183334
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2
Probable Cause and Findings
A loss of engine power during climb to cruise for reasons that could not be determined due to no postaccident examination.
Aircraft Information
Registration
N31BA
Make
PIPER
Serial Number
28-2673
Engine Type
Turbo-shaft
Registered Owner (Historical)
Name
BETZOLD JAMES E
Address
10819 SPUR HWY STE 415
Status
Deregistered
City
KENAI
State / Zip Code
AK 99611
Country
United States
Analysis
The pilot reported that about 15 minutes after departure and during the climb to cruise altitude, the engine lost power. The pilot checked the cockpit gauges and switched fuel tanks, however, the engine would not restart. A forced landing was initiated and during the descent in mountainous terrain, the airplane collided with trees and the terrain.
The wreckage has not been recovered and the reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR14CA013