 |
37000 Feet | Browse and search NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System |
|
PA23 pilot experienced an unexplained power loss on the right engine at 9;000 feet. The aircraft was allowed to descend from assigned altitude while troubleshooting before engine power was restored and assigned altitude was regained. The event repeated within ten minutes; but the reporter elected to continue to the destination with VFR weather.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1346797 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201604 |
| Local Time Of Day | 1201-1800 |
| Place | |
| Locale Reference | ZZZ.Airport |
| State Reference | US |
| Environment | |
| Light | Daylight |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | PA-23-250 Aztec |
| Operating Under FAR Part | Part 135 |
| Flight Phase | Cruise |
| Route In Use | Direct |
| Flight Plan | IFR |
| Component | |
| Aircraft Component | Reciprocating Engine Assembly |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Single Pilot |
| Qualification | Flight Crew Multiengine Flight Crew Instrument |
| Experience | Flight Crew Last 90 Days 45 Flight Crew Total 2100 Flight Crew Type 550 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe Deviation - Altitude Excursion From Assigned Altitude Deviation - Procedural Clearance Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue |
Narrative:
Aztec developed sudden right engine loss of power; likely due to fuel issue; but investigating now. Fuel flow dropped; aux pump activated and fuel tanks changed. While in IFR conditions; descended unintentionally to 8;000-8;500 ft; regained control; and reclimbed to 9;000. Event recurred 1 time within 10 min; and engine then regained power.requested 5;000 for duration of trip into VFR conditions at destination; rather than immediate landing into poor visibility and unfamiliar; small airport; as engine condition had stabilized. Landed uneventfully at ZZZ and plane to go for evaluation [3 days later]. I suspect fuel line issue; or possible ice crystal formation in line? All sumps tested pre and post flight; with no water discovered.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: PA23 pilot experienced an unexplained power loss on the right engine at 9;000 feet. The aircraft was allowed to descend from assigned altitude while troubleshooting before engine power was restored and assigned altitude was regained. The event repeated within ten minutes; but the reporter elected to continue to the destination with VFR weather.
Narrative: Aztec developed sudden right engine loss of power; likely due to fuel issue; but investigating now. Fuel flow dropped; aux pump activated and fuel tanks changed. While in IFR conditions; descended unintentionally to 8;000-8;500 ft; regained control; and reclimbed to 9;000. Event recurred 1 time within 10 min; and engine then regained power.Requested 5;000 for duration of trip into VFR conditions at destination; rather than immediate landing into poor visibility and unfamiliar; small airport; as engine condition had stabilized. Landed uneventfully at ZZZ and plane to go for evaluation [3 days later]. I suspect fuel line issue; or possible ice crystal formation in line? All sumps tested pre and post flight; with no water discovered.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.