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October 31, 1997 · Piper PA-32-260 · N3359W

Lakeville, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 31, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Lakeville, MN
Aircraft
Piper PA-32-260
Tail Number
N3359W
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI98LA037

The pilot reported that no abnormalities were found during preflight, engine start, or run-up. He said the manifold pressure, RPM, and engine gauges were all normal during the takeoff roll and takeoff. Also, he reported that after climbing to approximately 125 feet AGL, just beyond the threshold of the runway, the airplane experienced a sudden and complete power loss, 'as if the engine was being starved for fuel.' About two seconds later, the engine surged, and then quit again. The pilot landed straight ahead in a freshly plowed field. During the landing, the airplane rolled across about 300 feet of rough terrain before the nose gear collapsed. A postaccident examination and test run of the engine were performed. The engine started and ran normally. Examination of the mixture control cable revealed that a rubber grommet in the 'Adel clamp,' which secured the mixture control cable outer housing, had deteriorated. This permitted the control cable and outer cable housing to shift aft.

NTSB Probable Cause

fuel starvation due a deteriorated grommet in an Adel clamp, and a loose mixture control cable.

Full Narrative

On October 31, 1997, at 1715 central standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, N3359W, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after takeoff due to a complete loss of engine power. The private pilot and one passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was departing Airlake Airport, Lakeville, Minnesota, on a local flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed. The pilot reported that he conducted a very thorough preflight on the airplane prior to takeoff due to the engine maintenance that had just been completed. He reported that no abnormalities were found during preflight. The engine start and run-up were normal and no abnormalities were found. The pilot reported that the manifold pressure, RPM's, and engine gauges were all normal during the takeoff roll and takeoff. He reported that after climbing to approximately 125 feet AGL, just beyond the threshold of the runway, the airplane experienced a sudden and complete power loss, "as if the engine was being starved for fuel." About two seconds later the engine surged, and then quit again. The pilot closed the throttle and landed straight ahead in a freshly plowed field. The airplane rolled across about 300 feet of rough field before the nose gear collapsed. The pilot secured the electrical system and placed the fuel selector in the off position and exited the airplane. The engine was examined and tested by running the engine. The engine started and ran normally. The airplane was examined. There was adequate fuel in the fuel tanks. The fuel selector operated properly. The fuel pickups were normal and the fuel boost pump provided sufficient fuel flow. The mixture control cable and "Adel clamp" were examined. The Adel clamp was the "cushioned type" with a lining of rubber. The examination revealed that the rubber grommet in the "Adel clamp," which secured the mixture control cable outer housing, had deteriorated. It permitted the entire control cable and the outer cable housing to shift aft.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:15 CST
Nearest AirportAIRLAKE (0nm)
Runway29
Runway Length4800 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32-260
Tail NumberN3359W
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 260
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind200° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingOvercast 7500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time23:17
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data