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December 23, 2012 · Piper PA-28RT-201T · N4340G

Boca Raton, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 23, 2012
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Boca Raton, FL
Aircraft
Piper PA-28RT-201T (1984)
Tail Number
N4340G
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA13LA099

The pilot stated that a pretakeoff engine run-up revealed no anomalies and that he then initiated a takeoff. Shortly after rotation, the pilot selected the landing gear handle to the "up" position. When the airplane reached an altitude of about 100 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly "stopped without sputtering," and the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall. The pilot pitched the airplane's nose down and subsequently attempted to flare the airplane for landing; the airplane subsequently touched down on all three landing gear, which were in transition. The left main and nose landing gears collapsed, and the airplane slid off the left side of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. Neither the engine nor the fuel system were examined following the accident, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's improper landing flare after a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff, which resulted in a hard landing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Full Narrative

On December 23, 2012, about 1315 eastern standard time, a Piper PA28RT-201T, N4340G, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power on takeoff at Boca Raton Airport (BCT), Boca Raton, Florida. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight, which was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot stated that a pre-takeoff engine run-up revealed no anomalies, and he initiated a takeoff from runway 05. Shortly after rotation, he raised the airplane's landing gear. At an altitude about 100 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly "stopped without sputtering," and the airplane began to experience an aerodynamic stall. The pilot pitched the airplane's nose down, and subsequently attempted to flare the airplane for landing, and the airplane touched down on all three landing gear. The left main and nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane slid off the left side of the runway, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. No examination of the engine or fuel system was conducted following the accident, and the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. The pilot reported 4,100 total flight hours of flight experience, of which 3,900 hours were in the accident make and model. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in May 2011. The airplane was manufactured in 1984 and was equipped with a Continental Motors TSIO-360 series, 201 hp, turbocharged reciprocating engine. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on January 15, 2012. The engine had accumulated about 100 hours since its most recent overhaul. The airplane had accumulated 4,100 total hours in service at the time of the accident. The 1253 weather observation at Pompano Beach Airpark (PMP), Pompano Beach, Florida, located about 8 nautical miles south of the accident site, included wind from 110 degrees at 9 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 21 degrees C, dew point 11 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.21 inches of mercury.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:15 EST
Nearest AirportBoca Raton Airport (1nm N)
Runway05
Runway Length6276 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28RT-201T
Tail NumberN4340G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · TSIO-360 SER · Reciprocating · 201
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind110° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.18 inHg
Observation Time17:53
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data