Accident Overview
On January 26, 2014, at about 1600 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32RT-300, registration N36086, experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff from a private grass strip in Millen, Georgia. The pilot performed a forced landing to an open field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck baled hay on the border of the field and came to rest inverted with the wings separated. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot/owner, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) third class medical certificate was issued on September 8, 2012. The pilot reported 808 total hours of flight experience, with 384 hours in the accident airplane make and model.
Flight Details
The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The intended destination was Baldwin County Airport (MLJ) in Milledgeville, Georgia. The pilot reported that preflight, start-up, run-up, and taxi checks were all normal. After idling for several minutes while making telephone calls, he taxied back to retrieve an item from his wife, who handed it through the airplane's door while the engine continued running. He then taxied into position, performed a before-takeoff check by the checklist, and took off. After retracting the landing gear during initial climb, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot lowered the landing gear and maneuvered toward an open field.
Aircraft Examination
The airplane was manufactured in 1978. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on March 24, 2013, at 4,359 total aircraft hours. After recovery to a facility in Griffin, Georgia, an FAA aviation safety inspector examined the airplane. The fuel selector lever was found adjacent to the left tank position but out of the detent. Manipulation of the lever revealed smooth operation and positive detents at each position. A can of fuel was plumbed into the system, and the propeller and starter were replaced due to impact damage. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran without interruption with no anomalies noted.