On October 8, 2002, a Piper PA-30 (registration N7014Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Immokalee, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power on takeoff for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a training flight, the left engine lost power after liftoff, causing the airplane to veer left and depart the runway into shrubs. Subsequent engine testing found no discrepancies.
Accident Sequence
The accident occurred during a training flight following the fourth touch-and-go landing. The student pilot applied full power and accelerated for takeoff. Just after liftoff, at an altitude of approximately 20 to 30 feet above the ground, the instructor pilot reported that the airplane's left engine experienced a loss of power. The airplane veered left. The takeoff was aborted, and the airplane departed the runway, subsequently impacting shrubs.
Both pilots stated that although the flight was a training session, simulated engine-out procedures were not in progress at the time of the power loss.
Post-Accident Testing
The left engine and propeller were removed and placed on a test stand to facilitate a test run. The run was conducted with all original parts from the engine. During the test, the engine and propeller operated with no discrepancies noted.