On May 12, 1999, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5938Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Chambersburg, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff at about 150 feet above ground, the engine decelerated as if throttled back to idle. The pilot executed a forced landing. Post-accident engine test run showed normal operation.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that a thorough preflight inspection was completed prior to departure. During the takeoff roll and initial climb, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 150 feet above ground level. At that point, the engine began to lose power, with the pilot noting that the deceleration was similar to what would be experienced if the throttle had been pulled to the idle position. The pilot responded by lowering the aircraft's nose to maintain airspeed and conducted a forced landing.
Engine Examination and Testing
Following the incident, the engine was removed from the aircraft for a controlled test run. This test was conducted under the oversight of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. Prior to starting the test, mechanics verified crankshaft continuity and performed a thumb compression check, which indicated that basic engine integrity was intact. The engine was then mounted on a test stand and operated through a series of runs. The test runs were completed successfully, with the engine performing normally and no mechanical issues identified.