Accident Overview
On December 4, 2015, at approximately 1245 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-250, registration N88F, experienced a total loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff from runway 32 at Millville Municipal Airport (MIV), Millville, New Jersey. The private pilot/owner and a flight instructor were on an instructional flight destined for South Jersey Regional Airport (VAY), Mount Holly, New Jersey. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight Sequence
The pilots reported flying the airplane earlier that day with no anomalies. After a brief break, the private pilot/owner performed a preflight inspection and engine run-up, noting no issues. Departing runway 32, at about 150 feet above ground level, the landing gear was retracted, and immediately the engine lost all power. The pilot lowered the nose, judged the airplane too low and fast for a restart attempt, and elected to land straight ahead between two taxiways. The airplane touched down on grassy terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. The left and right fuel tanks contained an undetermined amount of fuel, with no debris noted. All three propeller blades remained attached, exhibiting chordwise scratching and aft bending. No obvious oil or fuel leaks were observed. The carburetor held approximately two tablespoons of fuel; when the auxiliary fuel pump was turned on, fuel flowed from the carburetor drain plug. Throttle control cable continuity to the engine was confirmed. Both magnetos produced spark on all leads when rotated manually; ignition leads appeared normal. All spark plugs were in normal condition with no fouling or damage. Suction and compression were observed on all cylinders during manual crankshaft rotation. The fuel system appeared normal with no contaminants in the tanks.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA records and maintenance logbooks, the 1960-manufactured airplane was registered to the private pilot/owner on November 9, 2015. It was powered by a Lycoming O-540 series, 250-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection occurred on November 30, 2015, at a tachometer reading of 152.7 hours, total time 3,455.47 flight hours. At the time of the accident, the tachometer indicated 154.3 hours.
Weather Conditions
The 1254 weather observation at MIV reported temperature 50°F and dew point 32°F. According to FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 (Carburetor Icing Prevention), dated June 30, 2009, these conditions were conducive to the formation of serious icing at glide power.