What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on null involved a aircraft, registration EI-DDZ, at IE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine lost power due to an interruption in the fuel supply shortly after takeoff, though the exact mechanism causing the starvation remains undetermined.

Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing at Navan Airfield

A Piper PA 28-181 experienced a sudden engine stoppage during its initial climb, resulting in a substantial damage forced landing in a nearby field.

What happened

On 1 October 2005, a private flight departing from Navan Airfield experienced a critical engine failure shortly after takeoff. The pilot, performing a short circuit training flight, was operating a Piper PA 28-181, registration EI-DDZ, with one passenger on board.

After a period of initial difficulty starting the engine, the pilot completed a successful run-up and commenced takeoff on Runway 27. While the aircraft was climbing through approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine suddenly stopped. With very little altitude remaining, the pilot performed an immediate forced landing into an adjacent hayfield. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including the detachment of the landing gear and damage to the fuselage and propeller. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger was uninjured.

The investigation

The AAIU investigation focused on identifying the cause of the sudden loss of power. While the engine and propeller showed no mechanical defects prior to impact, the investigation noted that the engine stoppage was symptomatic of fuel starvation, as only trace amounts of fuel were found in the carburetor.

Investigators examined the fuel system and found that both tanks contained sufficient fuel and that the fuel was of the correct grade and free of contamination. A notable discovery was made regarding the cockpit controls: after the occupants had evacuated the aircraft but before the investigator arrived, an unidentified individual moved the fuel selector to the 'OFF' position. However, photographic evidence taken by the airfield owner immediately following the accident confirmed that the selector was set to the 'Right Tank' at the time of the landing.

Findings

The engine stopped abruptly during the initial climb despite the fuel pump being active.
The aircraft had sufficient fuel and oil for the intended flight.
The engine stopped due to a loss of fuel supply, though the specific reason for this interruption could not be definitively determined.
Testing on similar engines demonstrated that the engine could continue to run for approximately 27 to 28 seconds after the fuel selector is moved to the 'OFF' position, which aligns with the altitude at which the failure occurred.