Incident Overview
The pilot of a Piper PA23-160 reported a loss of power in one engine shortly after takeoff from runway 27 and stated his intention to return for landing. The aircraft subsequently crashed in a residential area, striking trees and powerlines before coming to rest in the yard of a residence.
Flight Path Details
Witnesses observed the flight on the downwind leg for runway 27 at an altitude of 400 feet. The aircraft turned onto the base leg while descending and then overshot the final leg. At an altitude between 100 and 150 feet, the aircraft continued turning toward the runway. The bank angle increased to 50–60 degrees, and the nose dropped down.
Recorded radar data indicated that after takeoff, the flight climbed to 3,000 feet while maintaining a southwesterly heading. The flight then turned left back toward the airport and began a descent. The aircraft entered the downwind leg for runway 27 at an altitude between 400 and 500 feet, approximately one-quarter mile south of the runway, with a groundspeed of 95–105 knots. It turned onto the base leg at an altitude of about 300 feet, about one-half mile from the arrival end of runway 27, at a groundspeed of 75–80 knots. The last radar contact showed the aircraft at 82 feet altitude and a groundspeed of 66 knots.
Aircraft Examination
Examination of the airframe and systems did not reveal evidence of any mechanical malfunction that would have prevented normal operation.
Stall Speed Considerations
The Owner's Handbook for the Piper PA23-160 states that the stall speed with flaps down and engine power off is 53 knots. The handbook further indicates that stall speed increases approximately 25 percent at a bank angle of 50 degrees and 40 percent at a bank angle of 60 degrees. At the reported bank angle of 50–60 degrees, the calculated stall speed would be between 66 and 74 knots.