Accident Overview
On November 9, 2019, about 0945 central standard time, a Piper PA-32 airplane, registration N7703J, experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from David Wayne Hooks Memorial Airport (DWH) in Houston, Texas. The personal flight was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed with the Federal Aviation Administration. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Events as Reported by the Pilot
According to the pilot, the engine lost power shortly after takeoff from runway 35L. He turned the airplane to the right, attempting to return to the airport, but due to the altitude at the time of the power loss, he was unable to reach the runway. The forced landing was made to a field, during which the nose landing gear collapsed. Both wings and the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot was reported to have sustained minor injuries.
Post-Accident Examination
During recovery of the airplane, approximately 10 gallons of fuel were recovered from the left main fuel tank. The left wingtip fuel tank was impact-damaged and found empty. Both right wing fuel tanks were empty, and neither tank was compromised. The fuel selector valve was set to the right main tank. After recovery, the engine was connected to an external fuel source and started and ran without hesitation at various power settings. Further examination of the engine and related systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would preclude normal operations.