Primary finding
Probable cause
Loss of engine power for an undetermined reason. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that he took off from runway 36, then made a left turn. During the climbing turn, the engine lost power. The pilot stated that because there were no clearings ahead, he tried to return to runway 5. However, as he attempted to land from over trees, the airplane stalled and descended to the runway. Postaccident examination of the aircraft did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 25, 1995, at 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA 22- 150, N3965P, lost engine power shortly after takeoff and collided with the runway at William M. Tuck airport, in South Boston, Virginia. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91, and the intended destination was Blanch, North Carolina. The pilot reported that he "...Departed runway 36, made [a left] turn, engine lost power, no clearings ahead. Returned to runway 5 from over trees -- stalled and fell to [the] runway." The pilot reported that he had eight gallons of fuel on board and that there was no preimpact mechanical malfunction. The airplane was examined after the accident at the accident site by an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector. The examination did not disclose evidence of mechanical malfunction. -