Primary finding
Probable cause
a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to abort the takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During the takeoff roll, the pilot 'noticed a flat spot in the power' as he opened the throttle. He also 'noticed the rpm was 2400 rpm' instead of the expected 2500 rpm; however, he elected to continue the takeoff. During the initial climb after takeoff, 'the aircraft started to settle.' Since there was now 'insufficient remaining runway to attempt to abort,' the pilot turned 90 degrees left intending to land on a dirt road. The airplane touched down beside the road, struck 'a piece of concrete debris,' and came to rest on the road. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 14, 1996, at 1410 mountain daylight time, a Beech E35, N3295C, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following an engine power loss on takeoff near Albuquerque, New Mexico. The airplane was registered to, and operated by, a private owner under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The private pilot and the passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The local personal flight was originating from the Coronado Airport at the time of the accident. The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll on runway 17, he "noticed a flat spot in the power" as he opened the throttle. He verified that the propeller was set "for fine pitch" and "noticed the rpm showed 2400 rpm" instead of the expected 2500 rpm. At an airspeed of 80 mph, the pilot "rotated into a climb." After retracting the landing gear, he "felt the climb cease and the aircraft started to settle." Since there was "insufficient remaining runway to attempt to abort," the pilot turned left intending to land gear-up on an east/west dirt road south of the airport. The airplane touched down south of the road, the left wing struck "a piece of concrete debris which turned the aircraft 90 degrees to the left and caused the aircraft to settle on the road." A field inspection of the airplane and engine was conducted by FAA personnel. The inspection revealed that the fuselage was distorted. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined. -