Incident
An aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after an in-flight loss of engine power while taking off. The pilot and four passengers were not injured.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that during initial climbout, he noticed a change in exhaust noise and the engine began running rough. The engine continued to develop enough power for a shallow, climbing left turn, allowing the pilot to use the airport environment for a landing. On a wide left downwind for runway 19 at approximately 250 feet AGL, the engine ceased developing power. The pilot chose a touchdown point in a field south of runway 06/24. The field had cut grass that was soft, wet, and rutted. During the rollout, the nose gear and left main gear collapsed.
Fuel and Engine Data
The pilot had purchased 42 gallons of fuel. The aircraft was equipped with an engine monitor that recorded fuel flow between 10.2 and 13.5 gallons per hour. During the run-up, 0.5 gallons were used. At the start of takeoff, the monitor recorded 0.9 gallons of fuel used. The monitor's last six takeoff entries showed that the aircraft used 1.7 gallons of fuel.
Post-Accident Inspection
An engine test run found no anomalies. The mechanic who repaired the aircraft reported that during repairs, the fuel selector lever could go past the selected fuel tank detent. Further investigation revealed that the "off" stop was not operating properly.
Pilot's Operating Handbook
The PA-32-301T's Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) included procedures for engine power loss during takeoff. It stated that if sufficient altitude had been gained to attempt a restart, the pilot should maintain safe airspeed, switch the fuel selector to a tank containing fuel, check the electric fuel pump on, set mixture to rich, and open the alternate air. It also noted that if the power loss was caused by fuel exhaustion, power might not be regained for up to ten seconds after switching tanks, while the empty fuel lines filled.