What happened
The pilot reported that during the initial climb following a night takeoff, the engine began producing a popping sound before subsequently losing power. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot executed an emergency landing at an airfield where runway construction was actively underway, specifically in an area designated for a 2000-foot extension of the existing runway. During the touchdown phase of this forced landing, the aircraft's landing gear collapsed under the stress of the uneven surface and impact forces.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the root cause of the in-flight power loss. Investigators also performed a subsequent engine run test on the recovered powerplant. Despite these thorough mechanical inspections, no evidence was found to explain the reported power loss or the popping sound heard by the pilot prior to the failure.
Findings
The investigation revealed that while the engine appeared mechanically sound during ground testing, the in-flight anomaly could not be replicated or explained. The landing gear collapse was a direct result of the emergency landing conditions on an unfinished runway surface. No mechanical defects were identified that would account for the loss of power during flight.
Safety message
This incident highlights the risks associated with conducting emergency landings at airports undergoing construction or expansion. Pilots should be aware that active work zones may present uneven surfaces, debris, and unmarked obstacles that can exacerbate damage during gear-up or gear-collapse scenarios.