Accident Details
On March 6, 2018, at about 2226 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, registration N33807, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Paso Robles, California. The flight instructor and the private pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Sequence of Events
Before departure, the flight instructor watched as the airplane was fueled to capacity and checked the engine oil level, which was 6 quarts. He then asked the pilot receiving instruction to perform a preflight inspection while he went inside. Upon returning, the instructor verbally confirmed the fuel and oil levels with the pilot, and they subsequently departed. The flight proceeded uneventfully until they performed a touch-and-go landing at the destination airport.
During the takeoff following the touch-and-go, the pilots heard a "loud tick" noise, followed by the illumination of the low vacuum annunciator light. The instructor took control of the airplane, retracted the landing gear, and instructed the pilot to retract the wing flaps. At about 350 to 400 ft above ground level, the airplane stopped climbing, the engine lost all power, and the propeller came to a complete stop. The instructor executed a forced landing to a nearby field. During the landing roll, the wings and aft fuselage were substantially damaged.
Post-Accident Examination
The following day, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage. The inspector noted that the oil filler cap was not secured and that the engine contained about 1 quart of oil. Additionally, oil was splattered inside the engine compartment.