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NTSB Report

July 27, 2006 · Piper PA-32R-300 · N43945

Blacksburg, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 27, 2006
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Blacksburg, VA
Aircraft
Piper PA-32R-300
Tail Number
N43945
Operator
Linwood E Wadsworth
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC06LA185

The airplane was completely fueled earlier during the day, and completed one flight uneventfully. The airplane departed on runway 30 for a return flight to the pilot's home airport. About 200 feet agl, the engine began to run rough and lost partial power. The electric fuel pump was already on, and the pilot switched fuel tanks, but the engine continued to run rough. The pilot initially flew a left hand traffic pattern for runway 30; however, he subsequently did not think the airplane would reach that runway. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a closed runway oriented about 070 degrees. The airplane touched down near the end of the runway, traveled over a grassy area, and struck trees. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the flaps were in the retracted position. The left wing fuel tank was compromised during the impact. The right wing fuel tank remained intact, and was approximately 1/4-full. In addition, fuel was present in the fuel manifold. The fuel selector was found positioned toward the left tank position, but not in the detent. Further examination of the wreckage revealed that the number six exhaust valve pushrod was bent, possibly during recovery of the airplane. Examination of the engine, including the number six cylinder exhaust valve, did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was performed about 20 days prior to the accident, and the airplane had accumulated approximately 3 hours of operation since the inspection.

NTSB Probable Cause

A partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, which resulted in a forced landing after takeoff, and subsequent collision with trees.

Full Narrative

On July 27, 2006, at 1604 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-300, N43945, was substantially damaged during a forced landing and impact with trees, after experiencing a loss of engine power during takeoff from Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport (BCB), Blacksburg, Virginia. The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight destined to Tappahannock Municipal Airport (W79), Tappahannock, Virginia. An instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot's written statement, earlier that day, the airplane was completely fueled. The pilot and two passengers flew uneventfully from W79 to BCB, and dropped off one passenger. After approximately 10 minutes on the ground, the pilot and remaining passenger departed on runway 30 for a return flight to W79. About 200 feet agl, the engine began to run rough and lost partial power. The electric fuel pump was already on, and the pilot switched fuel tanks, but the engine continued to run rough. The pilot initially flew a left hand traffic pattern for runway 30; however, he subsequently did not think the airplane would reach that runway. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a closed runway oriented about 070 degrees. The airplane touched down near the end of the runway, traveled over a grassy area, and struck trees. The pilot further stated that he had to fly over parked airplanes on the closed runway, before he could touch down at the end of the runway. On site examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the flaps were in the retracted position. The inspector further stated that the runway and grassy area was approximately 5,000 feet long, with trees at the end. He observed that the left wing fuel tank was compromised during the impact. The right wing fuel tank remained intact, and was approximately 1/4-full. The FAA inspector also noted that the fuel selector was found positioned toward the left tank position, but not all the way in the left detent. The FAA inspector did observe fuel in the fuel manifold. After the airplane was recovered, the FAA inspector was able to rotate the propeller by hand, and obtained camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train continuity. He also attained thumb compression on all cylinders, and noted rotation through the accessory section to both magnetos. The FAA inspector observed that the number six exhaust valve pushrod was bent; however, it was possible the pushrod bent during the airplane's recovery. He then removed the number six cylinder and exhaust valve (spring, lifter, keeper, etc.), and did not observe any discrepancies with the valve. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was performed on July 7, 2006. At that time, the airplane had accumulated 4,460.8 hours of operation. The airplane had accumulated approximately 3 hours of operation since the annual inspection. The reported weather at BCB, at 1600, was: wind from 260 degrees at 5 knots; visibility 10 miles; sky clear; temperature 82 degrees F; dew point 66 degrees F; altimeter 30.15 inches Hg.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:04 EDT
Nearest AirportVirginia Tech/Montgomery Execu (0nm)
Runway07
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-32R-300
Tail NumberN43945
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorLinwood E Wadsworth
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-540 · Reciprocating · 300
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time20:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data