Accident Details
On February 14, 2017, at approximately 1330 eastern standard time, a Beech D55 airplane, registration N88EB, experienced a loss of left engine power during takeoff from runway 22 at Bolton Field Airport (TZR) near Columbus, Ohio. The aircraft was registered to Absten Aviation LLC and operated by the pilot under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were uninjured. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings when the left main landing gear collapsed.
Narrative
According to the pilot in the left seat, the purpose of the flight was to regain currency in takeoffs and landings. After rotation, as the airplane climbed to about 50 feet above ground level, the left engine began losing power, with rpm dropping to approximately 1,700. The left-seat pilot relinquished control to the right-seat pilot, who attempted to land on the remaining runway. The left main landing gear struck the runway hard, and the right-seat pilot was able to bring the airplane to a stop on the prepared surface. The pilots initially believed a tire had blown, but the left main landing gear had collapsed.
The pilot in command later reported that seconds after rotation, at about 12 feet above ground level and at minimum controllable airspeed (Vmc) plus 3 knots, the left engine suffered a power loss. During emergency procedures, the airplane drifted left of the runway, reaching a maximum height of 24 feet and a maximum speed of Vmc plus 6 knots. A forced landing was executed to the last 1,500 feet of runway at a 30-degree descent angle, resulting in a hard landing. The airplane was steered back to the runway centerline. Upon brake application, the left upper strut housing failed, and the left engine sustained a propeller strike. The airplane skidded to a stop on the centerline about 500 feet from the runway end; no fire or fluid leaks were reported.
Weather
At 1349, the recorded weather at TZR was: wind 260 degrees at 13 knots gusting to 24 knots; visibility 10 statute miles; clear sky; temperature 11°C; dew point -2°C; altimeter 29.81 inches of mercury. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector and an Air Safety Investigator from the engine manufacturer examined the wreckage. The left engine's top spark plugs exhibited dark combustion deposits with normal wear. All cylinders were inspected with a lighted borescope; no anomalies were found. A thumb compression test on all six cylinders was normal when the engine was rotated. Engine continuity was established. No fuel was present in the disconnected fuel lines. The fuel supply line to the fuel manifold valve was disconnected, and the left engine fuel boost pump pumped fuel from both the left and right main fuel tanks (in crossfeed) to the manifold valve. No anomalies were observed that would have prevented normal operations.