Accident Description
The flight was a maintenance test flight conducted after an engine overhaul, which was necessitated by a propeller strike that had occurred on March 10, 2000. During the engine run-up and after applying full power for takeoff, the pilot noted no discrepancies. However, while climbing at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a loss of power and subsequently quit. The pilot landed the airplane with only 180 feet of runway remaining and applied heavy braking. The airplane then departed the end of the runway, rolling onto wet grass, and was unable to stop before colliding with a chain link fence.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
The engine was disassembled with Federal Aviation Administration approval by the facility that had performed the overhaul, but this examination occurred without government oversight and before the National Transportation Safety Board was notified. During the disassembly, it was found that the No. 4 cylinder connecting rod bolts were fractured, and the connecting rod cap was straight. Due to the lack of government oversight during the examination, no components of the engine were examined or retained for further analysis.
Maintenance Records
An entry in the maintenance records dated July 5, 2000, indicates that the engine was overhauled per the Lycoming Overhaul Manual (60294-7). The entry also states that the engine was test run and that all pressures and temperatures were within manufacturer specifications.