Accident Overview
On February 6, 2017, at about 1100 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-32R-301, registration N21HD, was substantially damaged during a forced landing after takeoff from Potomac Airfield (VKX) in Friendly, Maryland. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was seriously injured. The airplane was operating under Part 91 on a personal flight destined for Newport State Airport (UUU) in Newport, Rhode Island. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the pilot had filed an instrument flight rules flight plan.
Preflight and Takeoff
The pilot completed a preflight inspection, then taxied to the self-serve fuel pumps and topped off the fuel tanks. Shortly thereafter, he sampled the fuel, which appeared blue and free of contaminants. After takeoff, while climbing through about 1,000 feet above ground level, the pilot reported that the engine suddenly lost power and "went quiet." He attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful, and performed a forced landing.
Aircraft Information
The six-seat, low-wing, retractable tricycle-gear airplane (serial number 3246091) was manufactured in 1997. It was powered by a Lycoming IO-540 300-horsepower engine. The most recent annual inspection was completed on January 11, 2017, at which time the airframe and engine had accumulated 1,155 total hours of operation. The engine had 480 hours since its last major overhaul. The airplane had flown about 20 hours since the annual inspection.
Postaccident Examination
On-scene examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the engine was partially separated from the airframe. The right wing was partially separated, and the left wing was substantially damaged.
Further examination showed that the left magneto timing was 14.6° ahead of 20° top dead center (TDC), and the right magneto timing was 17° ahead of 20° TDC. Both magnetos produced spark at all leads when rotated by hand. Camshaft, crankshaft, and valve train continuity was confirmed to the rear accessory section of the engine. Thumb compression was attained on all cylinders except the No. 6 cylinder, which had been impact damaged.
Approximately 1 ounce of 100-low-lead aviation gasoline was recovered from the engine-driven fuel pump. The fuel was clear, blue, and free of water when tested. When the fuel pump was actuated by hand, suction and compression were confirmed at the inlet and outlet. Disassembly revealed an intact diaphragm with no obstructions. The fuel selector was found in the right main tank position, and fuel continuity was established from that tank to the selector. The throttle, mixture, and propeller levers were difficult to move, consistent with impact damage.
The airplane was equipped with a Bendix KMD 150, which was sent to the NTSB Recorder's Laboratory. The device recorded five data points during the flight, containing coordinates, ground speed, heading, and GPS altitude.
Weather
Weather recorded at an airport about 7 miles northeast of the accident site, at 1058, included wind from 220° at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear sky, temperature 13°C, and dew point -1°C.