History of Flight
On June 15, 2012, at approximately 1815 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 170, registration N3812V, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees and terrain following a loss of engine power after takeoff from Biddeford Municipal Airport (B19) in Biddeford, Maine. The certificated private pilot/owner and a certificated flight instructor sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
According to consistent written statements from both pilots, the preflight inspection, engine start, taxi, and takeoff checks were completed normally with no anomalies. The pilot/owner performed the takeoff and reported that the airplane seemed to "take forever" to reach takeoff speed and used the entire runway during the takeoff roll.
When the airplane reached about 1,000 feet, the engine stopped producing power. The instructor took control, turned back toward the departure airport, and performed remedial actions to restore engine power, but was unsuccessful. Determining that the airplane would not reach the airport, he executed a forced landing to wooded terrain. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and empennage, and both pilots egressed without assistance.
Personnel Information
The pilot/owner held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. He reported 74 total hours of flight experience, with 2 hours in the accident airplane make and model. The flight instructor held an airline transport pilot certificate and a flight instructor certificate with multiple ratings, reporting 4,594 total hours of flight experience, with 2 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
Aircraft Information
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records and maintenance logs, the airplane was manufactured in 1948. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on May 8, 2012, at 3,969 total aircraft hours.
Meteorological Information
At 1815, weather reported at Sanford Regional Airport (SFM), about 11 miles southwest of the accident site, included clear skies, wind from 130 degrees at 5 knots, temperature 22°C, dew point 12°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.28 inches of mercury.
Wreckage and Impact Information
An FAA inspector performed a preliminary inspection at the scene and a detailed inspection after recovery. The engine was rotated at the propeller, and continuity was established through the powertrain and valve train to the accessory section. Both magnetos produced spark, and ignition timing was confirmed. The fuel system was intact; removal of the fuel pump caused water to spill from the pump. The pump was actuated by hand, ejecting water. The carburetor float bowl contained a "50-50" mixture of water and fuel.