Accident Overview
On December 12, 2008, at approximately 1615 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-235, registration N38558, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after a complete loss of engine power. The accident occurred shortly after takeoff from a private airstrip near New Bern, North Carolina. The certificated commercial pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Preflight and Takeoff
The pilot reported that the airplane had last been flown about three weeks prior. Two weeks before the accident, the pilot had fueled the airplane but could not start the engine due to a weak battery; he used a charging device to restore power. The airplane had flown only about 10 hours in the past year, and its oil was last changed during the annual inspection in January 2008.
On the day of the accident, the pilot began the preflight inspection at about 1530. He drained fuel samples and noted no abnormalities. Near the end of the inspection, a friend stopped by, and they talked for about 20 minutes. During the conversation, the pilot observed fuel running out of the fuel vent on the right wing. After the conversation, the pilot boarded, started the engine, and let it run for 2–3 minutes before taxiing.
He taxied to the end of the runway and performed a runup check per the checklist. In response to the fuel observed running from the vent, he placed the fuel selector on the right main tank. No abnormalities were noted during the runup. The pilot then turned on the electric fuel pump and let the engine run for about 5 minutes at 1,200 rpm to warm the oil.
Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing
The pilot increased power and began the takeoff roll. He described the engine as performing "with great power," and the airplane lifted off after about 800 feet of ground roll. Upon reaching about 100 feet of altitude, the engine suddenly and completely lost power. The pilot turned the airplane to the right to attempt a landing in a field but could not clear a ditch. The airplane struck the ditch, shearing off the landing gear and causing substantial damage.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane was transported to a recovery facility, where an engine test run was attempted under NTSB supervision. Fuel from both main tanks was collected and plumbed to the fuel line fittings. The electric fuel pump was checked and showed no abnormalities. Spark plugs were light gray with no abnormal wear; no debris was found in the cylinders or carburetor. An engine start was attempted four times, but the engine did not start. The carburetor was removed and disassembled; a small amount of debris was found in the float bowl, but no mechanical anomalies were noted. Both magnetos produced spark at all leads.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The Piper PA-28-235 was manufactured in 1977. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on January 22, 2008, at which time the airframe and engine had 1,476 total hours. At the accident, total hours were 1,485. The engine had not been overhauled since manufacture.
The pilot held a commercial certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument airplane. He reported 2,060 total flight hours. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on April 2, 2008.
Weather Conditions
The 1554 weather observation at Craven County Regional Airport (EWN), about 9 nautical miles southeast of the accident site, reported winds from 320 degrees at 6 knots, 10 miles visibility, temperature 12°C, dewpoint 3°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.90 inHg.