Controlled Flight Into Terrain · NTSB CHI08FA135
PIPER PA-28-140 — Stevens Point, WI
| Date | May 12, 2008 |
| Location | Stevens Point, WI |
| Aircraft | PIPER PA-28-140 |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Emergency descent Controlled flight into terr/obj (CFIT) |
| Pilot age | 56 |
| Pilot total time | 278 hrs · Low time |
| Time in type | 278 hrs |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft power plant-Engine (reciprocating)-(general)-Not specified - C
- Not determined-Not determined-(general)-(general)-Unknown/Not determined - C
What happened
The airplane was taking off and experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb. Witnesses on the ground observed smoke off of the end of the runway from the postimpact fire. An examination of the accident scene showed a ground scar containing green glass pieces from the right navigation light and pieces of the right wing tip. A nearby ground depression was consistent with the shape of the engine cowling. An examination of the propeller showed damage signatures consistent with the engine at low power. No preimpact anomalies were revealed with the airplane during the investigation.