Introduction
On May 21, 2011, at approximately 0745 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-30, registration N7248Y, experienced a loss of left engine power during the takeoff roll from Phillipsburg Airport in Phillipsburg, Ohio. The airplane veered off the left side of runway 21 and collided with terrain. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries, and the airplane received substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Accident Sequence
The pilot, who did not hold a multiengine airplane rating but had a solo endorsement for the Piper PA-30, intended to practice solo takeoffs and landings in the airport traffic pattern. During the first takeoff on runway 21, at rotation speed, the airplane yawed left and did not respond to right rudder application. The pilot retarded the throttles and attempted to steer right but could not regain directional control. The airplane exited the runway and impacted a wooded area.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors, the pilot reported that the left yaw occurred at about 85-90 mph and that he did not react quickly enough to reduce engine power. The pilot stated that he was thrown forward, cutting his forehead on the cabin roof and bruising his right forearm from hitting the controls. He did not use the available shoulder harness.
Post-Accident Events
After the accident, the pilot walked to the hangar where his flight instructor was waiting. The instructor observed the pilot injured and was asked to check the airplane. The instructor turned off the magnetos and switches but was uncertain which switches had been on. The airplane was moved to the registered owner's hangar, which was the previous owner. The pilot had purchased the airplane about a year earlier but had not registered it in his name. The accident was reported to the FAA on May 23, 2011; the pilot provided no explanation for the delay.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the accident site revealed skid marks consistent with the left main landing gear tire leading to the impact area. The marks were about 18 feet long, separated by approximately 100 feet along the direction of travel, with an additional continuous skid mark of about 145 feet. Numerous trees were damaged. The airplane came to rest about halfway down runway 21, 107 feet from its left edge.
At the hangar, investigators found that switches and engine controls had been shut off after the accident. Fuel controls were off; circuit breakers for fuel boost pumps, turn and bank indicator, and gear motor were out. The rear cargo area contained three 40-pound bags of water softener salt and a portable oxygen canister. The upper left head lining showed evidence of pilot impact. Flaps were retracted, and flight control continuity was confirmed. The right wing main and auxiliary fuel tanks were nearly full with no contaminants. The left wing had separated, with fuel leakage from the crossover tube; its main and auxiliary tanks were empty.
Left Engine Assessment
The left engine exhibited impact damage from the collision, including a cracked number one cylinder from impact forces. The engine was crushed rearward and downward, breaking many accessories. Fuel was present in the line leading to the fuel manifold. The propeller blades were bent and showed ground strikes consistent with low power. The engine could be rotated via the propeller, but damage precluded functional testing.