Low-Altitude Maneuvering · NTSB CEN10FA322
PIPER PA-23 — Rochester, MN
| Date | June 17, 2010 |
| Location | Rochester, MN |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-23 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Night · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 29 |
| Pilot total time | 259 hrs · Low time |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 3 |
Probable cause
The loss of engine power and the pilot's subsequent loss of control for undetermined reasons.
NTSB findings
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
What happened
During the night flight, the pilot reported a loss of engine power to air traffic controllers and requested assistance locating the nearest airport. About 18 nautical miles from the airport, the pilot stated to the controllers that the twin engine airplane's left engine had lost power and that he was attempting to maintain altitude. Later, the pilot stated that he was unsure if he would be able to make the airport. The airplane impacted trees and terrain about a mile from the runway. A postaccident examination of the airplane disclosed no anomalies that would explain the loss of engine power.