What happened
Two certified flight instructors were operating a conventional gear aircraft for the purpose of regaining flight currency. Shortly after initiating takeoff, the engine experienced a sudden failure, resulting in a complete loss of power.
The crew immediately initiated emergency procedures and executed a forced landing on an adjacent golf course. During the rollout phase on the ground, the aircraft struck several trees, which contributed to the extent of the damage sustained by the airframe.
The investigation
Following the incident, the aircraft was recovered and transported back to an airport for further examination. Mechanics attempted to restart the engine to assess its condition post-impact. Upon restarting, the engine operated normally, indicating that the mechanical failure might have been intermittent or related to a transient issue rather than permanent internal damage.
Despite the normal operation upon restart, investigators were unable to identify any specific mechanical defect or operational error that would explain the initial loss of engine power during flight.
Findings
The investigation revealed several key factors contributing to the outcome:
- The aircraft was being used for currency maintenance rather than routine commercial operations.
- The forced landing site selection (a golf course) was appropriate given the altitude and terrain.
- Impact with trees occurred during the ground roll, exacerbating structural damage.
- No definitive cause for the power loss could be established due to the engine's normal operation after recovery.