Accident Details
On March 13, 2018, about 1130 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N5646V, was substantially damaged during a forced landing shortly after takeoff from Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK), Chesapeake, Virginia. The private pilot and pilot-rated passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
Pilot and Flight History
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued January 9, 2017. He reported 188.1 total flight hours, of which 139.8 were in the accident airplane make and model.
Sequence of Events
In a written statement, the pilot described completing the preflight inspection, run-up, takeoff, and one circuit in the airport traffic pattern without anomalies. He performed a touch-and-go landing on runway 23. When the airplane climbed to about 200 feet, the engine stopped producing power. The pilot elected to land straight ahead off the departure end of the runway and cycled the throttle during the descent. This restored power only momentarily before the forced landing was completed.
During the ground run, the nose landing gear separated, and the airplane sustained substantial damage to the wing structure and the fuselage.
Pilot Interview
In a telephone interview with an FAA inspector, the pilot provided a consistent account and detailed the positions of the fuel selector, fuel boost pump switch, mixture control, and his use of engine and flight controls. When asked about carburetor heat, the pilot stated he did not apply it at any point during the flight.
Aircraft Information
According to FAA records, the airplane was manufactured in 1977. Its most recent 100-hour inspection was completed at 3,618 total aircraft hours.
Weather Conditions
At 1115, the weather reported at CPK included clear skies, 10 miles visibility, winds from 290 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 21 knots, temperature 6°C, dew point -4°C, and altimeter setting 29.87 inches of mercury. A review of atmospheric conditions revealed conditions conducive to formation of "serious" carburetor icing at descent engine power settings.
Post-Accident Examination
The wreckage was examined at the operator's facility by the FAA inspector, who confirmed the damage and noted the remainder of the airplane was intact. The nose of the airplane was raised by anchoring the tail, and an engine start was attempted using the airplane's own battery, fuel system, and fuel present in the tanks. The engine started immediately, accelerated smoothly, and ran continuously without interruption. Magneto and carburetor heat checks were performed, and results were within manufacturer's parameters.