History of Flight
On August 10, 2014, about 0904 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N4646F, was destroyed during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from runway 16 at South Valley Regional Airport (U42), West Jordan, Utah. The private pilot and two passengers sustained serious injuries. The flight was a personal cross-country trip destined for Boise, Idaho, operating under Part 91 regulations. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. Witnesses reported that as the airplane climbed, the pilot broadcast emergency calls over the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) without specifying the nature of the emergency. The airplane struck a light pole and came to rest in an open soccer field south of the airport, where a post-impact fire occurred. Witnesses observed the airplane lift off about 3,500 feet from the approach end of the runway and never climb above 100 to 150 feet above ground level. The engine reportedly backfired throughout the takeoff and accident sequence.
Aircraft and Performance
The six-seat, low-wing, retractable-gear airplane (serial number 32R-7680471) was powered by a Lycoming IO-540-K1G5D engine rated at 300 horsepower, equipped with a McCauley three-bladed adjustable pitch propeller. The most recent annual inspection was July 27, 2013, at a total airframe time of 1,721 hours. Weight and balance calculations were not recovered, but using reported weights of occupants, fuel, and luggage, the airplane was estimated to be under the maximum gross weight of 3,600 pounds. Performance charts from the Pilot's Operating Handbook indicated the weather conditions were within the airplane's capabilities. Calculated takeoff ground roll with flaps up was about 4,250 feet, and with two notches of flaps about 3,000 feet. Climb performance with gear up was calculated at about 500 feet per minute.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather recorded at Salt Lake City International Airport, 11 miles north of the accident site, at 0853 reported wind from 160 degrees at 4 knots, visibility 10 statute miles, few clouds at 14,000 and 20,000 feet, temperature 23°C, dew point 9°C, and altimeter 30.20 inHg. Density altitude was calculated at about 7,447 feet mean sea level, with pressure altitude about 4,348 feet.
Wreckage Examination
The airplane came to rest upright about 0.5 miles south of the departure end of runway 16. All major structural components were within the debris path. The inboard areas of both wings and the center fuselage were mostly consumed by fire. The left outboard wing fuel tank was breached and contained blue liquid consistent with 100 low-lead fuel. Examination of the recovered wreckage on October 15, 2014, revealed the engine and right wing had been separated for recovery. The forward fuselage from the baggage compartment to the firewall was fire-damaged. Flight control continuity was established. The fuel selector valve was found positioned to the right tank; the fuel strainer was full of clean fuel. The engine was intact with thermal damage. Hand rotation of the crankshaft established continuity and compression on all cylinders. The dual magneto was fire-damaged and its drive shaft would not rotate. Spark plugs showed normal coloration except three bottom plugs covered in oil. The propeller governor was tested with no anomalies. The propeller exhibited damage consistent with impact and mid-level rotational energy, with no evidence of pre-impact failure.