Accident Overview
On August 12, 2018, at approximately 0832 central daylight time, a Piper PA32R airplane, registration N9894K, impacted terrain near South Beloit, Illinois. The flight had just departed from Beloit Airport (44C) in Beloit, Wisconsin, and was destined for Baraboo–Wisconsin Dells Airport (DLL) in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The pilot and one passenger suffered minor injuries, while a second passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane, registered to DBG Aviation Inc., was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed.
Sequence of Events
After takeoff from runway 25, the pilot reported that the engine cowling opened and began to rapidly swing back and forth. Concerned that the cowling might fracture the windshield and cause injury, the pilot reduced power and considered landing straight ahead. Realizing he was too far down the runway to land, he increased power and attempted to climb and return to the runway with a shallow left bank. The airplane developed a sink rate and impacted a cornfield approximately half a mile from the end of the runway. The impact damaged the engine mounts and fuselage.
Examination and Pilot Comments
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine found no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal flight operations. The pilot stated that he was very startled by the sudden and unexpected opening of the cowling, which distracted him from maintaining airspeed control. A Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team (FAAST) safety briefing titled "Startle Response" was included in the public docket for this investigation. The briefing notes that humans are subject to a "startle response" when faced with unexpected emergency situations, which may delay action or initiate inappropriate action. Examples of unexpected events cited include partial/full loss of power on takeoff, landing gear issues, bird strike, or cabin door opening. The briefing emphasizes the importance of training and planning for emergencies, including "chair flying" scenarios to prepare for rapid, appropriate responses.