SERS · Piper PA-34-200T · 1997-08-18 · KERNVILLE, CA, USA
Event
NTSB number
LAX97FA292
Event ID
20001208X08664
Type
Accident
Date
1997-08-18
Location
KERNVILLE, CA, USA
Coordinates
35.729206, -118.390632
Injuries
Highest injury
SERS
Fatal
0
Serious
1
Minor
4
Uninjured
0
Total aboard
5
Aircraft
Make
Piper
Model
PA-34-200T
Registration
N6654A
FAR Part
091
Engines
2
Damage
DEST
Conditions
Light
DAYL
Weather
VMC
Probable cause
The partial loss of engine power due to the operator's inadequate engine maintenance relating to excessively rich mixtures (high fuel flow rates) and spark plug/magneto deficiencies. Contributing factors were degraded climb performance resulting from the high density altitude and the airplane loading which exceeded maximum weight and aft center of gravity limits.