Accident Overview
On December 8, 2009, at approximately 1248 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-38-112 airplane, registration N2539D, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb at Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) in Fresno, California. The airplane was registered to Golden Eagle Enterprises Inc. and operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal cross-country flight, which was originating at the time with an intended destination of Monterey, California.
Pilot Report
According to a written statement, the pilot conducted a preflight inspection, taxied to Runway 29L, and performed a normal run-up with no anomalies noted. He requested takeoff clearance but was held for about 6 to 8 minutes due to landing traffic. After receiving clearance, he taxied onto the runway, advanced the throttle, and observed an engine rpm of 2200. During the initial climb, the pilot realized the airplane was not climbing normally and that the engine was not running rough initially. As the airplane crossed over the airport perimeter road northwest of the departure runway, the engine began to run rough and the rpm fluctuated to 1800. The pilot initiated a left turn toward the departure runway. He stated that when the airplane was about 20 to 30 feet above ground level, it stalled and impacted the ground.
Aircraft Examination
An FAA inspector examined the wreckage, which came to rest upright approximately 1,500 feet northwest of the departure end of Runway 29L. The right wing was partially separated, and the tail section was separated just aft of the cabin area. The fuel selector valve handle was positioned to the right fuel tank. Fuel was present in both the left and right fuel tanks, with the right tank partially ruptured. Fuel samples from the airframe fuel sump were clear of debris and blue in color.
Engine examination revealed that the propeller had separated from the crankshaft propeller flange. All engine accessories remained attached. Rotational continuity was established throughout the engine and valve train, and thumb compression was obtained on all four cylinders. The magnetos produced spark on all ignition leads when the crankshaft was rotated. Top and bottom spark plugs exhibited normal wear. The carburetor was intact and undamaged, with its finger screen free of debris. The carburetor float bowl contained about two ounces of clean fuel.
No mechanical anomalies were observed with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation.
Meteorological Conditions
At 1252, the reported weather at FAT included wind variable at 3 knots, visibility 10 miles, a scattered cloud layer at 1,500 feet above ground level, temperature 43 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 30 degrees Fahrenheit, and an altimeter setting of 30.11 inches of mercury. A review of an FAA Carburetor Icing Chart indicated serious icing at glide power for the temperature and dew point combination.