Accident Overview
On September 15, 2019, about 1650 eastern daylight time, a Diamond DA40, registration N292RA, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field following a partial loss of engine power on takeoff from Chesapeake Regional Airport (CPK), Norfolk, Virginia. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated under Part 91 of the Federal Aviation Regulations for a local personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Flight History
According to the pilot, he completed three touch-and-go landings without incident. On the subsequent takeoff, after climbing to about 300 feet above ground level and with no usable runway remaining, the pilot heard a noise from under the engine cowling followed by a near complete loss of engine thrust. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot conducted a forced landing to a soybean field. The touchdown was smooth until the nose wheel struck a drainage ditch, causing the airplane to spin approximately 90 degrees to the right. The pilot then secured the airplane and exited.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the nose landing gear and lower engine cowling, substantial damage to the fuselage structure aft of the nose landing gear, and separation of two of the three propeller blades near the spinner. Data from the electronic engine control unit indicated an uncommanded decrease in induction air boost pressure during takeoff, immediately preceding the power loss. The engine inspection found that the flexible induction coupling from the intercooler to the engine induction inlet had backed off. The two clamps securing the coupling to the induction inlet were intact and safety wired but were loose; the induction tube could be inserted into the coupling without further loosening of the clamps. Maintenance records showed the flexible induction coupling and clamps were replaced during the last 100-hour inspection on August 21, 2019, about 15 flight hours before the accident. The airplane had accumulated a total of 123 hours at the time of the event.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with a single-engine land rating. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on October 23, 2018, at which time he reported 1,700 total flight hours.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at CPK at 1635 included wind from 080 degrees at 3 knots, visibility 7 miles, light rain, and clear skies. Temperature was 29°C, dewpoint 20°C, and barometric pressure 30.08 inches of mercury.