Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
Immediately after takeoff, at 150 agl, the pilot reported a total loss of engine power. The pilot tried numerous times to restart the engine without success. The pilot then turned the aircraft left to avoid some trees at the end of the runway. He landed the aircraft in a thicket of 6 foot bushes and blackberry briers to soften the impact. Post-accident investigation revealed no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction with airframe, engine, or accessories.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 26, 1993, about 1200 central daylight time, a Piper, PA22-150; N6723B, was destroyed by post-impact fire shortly after takeoff. The private pilot and one passenger were both uninjured. The local pleasure flight was originating from West Plains Municipal Airport, West Plains, Missouri in visual meteorological conditions. The flight operating under 14 CFR Part 91 had no flight plan on file. The pilot took-off on runway 36 and at 150 feet AGL the engine lost total power. The PIC checked the magnetos, mixture, carburetor heat, fuel selector, all to no avail. The pilot also tried pumping the engine primer. The PIC then turned the aircraft left to avoid some trees at the end of the runway. He landed the aircraft in a thicket of 6 foot bushes and blackberry briers to soften the impact. When the aircraft stopped, the windscreen was gone, and the pilot and passenger climbed out through the windscreen area. The wreckage was completely engulfed in flames shortly thereafter. The post-accident examination of the engine found all sparkplugs, except the lower #2 cylinder plug, fired normally. All four nuts attaching the carburetor to the engine were only hand tight, but the intake manifold gasket was in good condition. No evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction with airframe, engine or accessories was found. -