Landing gear failure following power loss during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Marshalltown, IA, US

A pilot experienced a partial engine power loss shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing on a grassy strip that resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear.

What happened

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a partial power loss and a reduction in climb airspeed. In an attempt to manage the situation, the pilot leveled the airplane's attitude, which allowed the aircraft to regain its original climb speed.

Following this stabilization, the pilot decided to divert the flight to a cross runway. However, while performing the turn toward the runway, the pilot reported a further loss of engine power. Due to the continued degradation of performance, the decision was made to land on a grassy strip situated between a ditch and a cornfield.

Upon touchdown on the grassy surface, the aircraft's right main landing gear dropped into a ditch, causing the component to break off from the airframe. The occupants were not injured during the incident.

Probable cause

The source text does not provide an official probable cause for the initial power loss, though it notes that investigations of the fuel system revealed no anomalies.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1994-07-29 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Marshalltown, IA?

A pilot experienced a partial engine power loss shortly after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing on a grassy strip that resulted in the separation of the right main landing gear.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-07-29 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N8144Y, at Marshalltown, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The source text does not provide an official probable cause for the initial power loss, though it notes that investigations of the fuel system revealed no anomalies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01721. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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