Accident Overview
On October 26, 2020, at approximately 1410 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, registration N32458, was substantially damaged in an accident near Crystal Beach, Texas. The flight instructor and his student were not injured. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
Flight Details
The flight instructor reported that the accident occurred during a takeoff from a private airstrip. The grass airstrip was estimated to be about 2,500 ft long and 35 ft wide, with dry conditions and recent use by other aircraft. The takeoff was made to the south-southeast. The airplane had approximately 26 gallons of fuel onboard before the flight, and weight-and-balance and takeoff performance were verified as suitable.
After taxiing to the north end of the airstrip, the pilots completed a before-takeoff engine runup with no anomalies or malfunctions reported. The airplane was configured with 10° of flaps for a soft-field takeoff, with about 12 knots of headwind.
Takeoff and Power Loss
The student performed the soft-field takeoff. After becoming airborne, the student reduced airplane pitch to remain in ground effect and allowed airspeed to increase to 80 knots. During the initial climb, the flight instructor noted a drop in engine rpm. He confirmed the throttle was full forward but reported no significant engine performance. The instructor took control, reduced pitch, and banked to avoid a highway and powerlines at the end of the airstrip. The lack of engine performance led to a forced landing before the airplane completed 90° of turn from the takeoff heading. The airplane landed on the north side of the highway, collided with a power pole, and came to a stop. After the accident, the fuel selector, ignition switch, and electrical switches were turned off before both occupants exited uninjured.
Student Report
The student reported that after liftoff, the airplane remained in ground effect until airspeed reached 75 knots. When he increased pitch to climb out of ground effect, the airplane did not react, and the flight instructor took control. The instructor then reduced pitch and flew the airplane to the ground.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination was conducted by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors and two aviation mechanics. Substantial damage was noted to the left wing and engine mount. Flight control cable continuity was confirmed for ailerons, stabilator, and rudder. The flaps were extended 10° and the flap handle was in the first notch. Engine control continuity was confirmed for throttle, mixture, and carburetor heat controls. The gascolator contained fluid similar in color and odor to uncontaminated 100 low-lead aviation fuel. Examination of the engine revealed low cylinder compression and an oil-fouled lower spark plug for the No. 1 cylinder. Otherwise, no anomalies were found. The engine was subsequently started and run several times without issues, though it was not accelerated to maximum static rpm due to a damaged engine mount and the airplane being supported on jack-stands.
Carburetor Icing Consideration
According to a carburetor icing probability chart from FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, the recorded temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were in the range of susceptibility for serious carburetor icing at glide power. The bulletin advises using carburetor heat when operating at low power settings or in conditions where carburetor icing is probable.
Manual vs. Checklist Discrepancy
The Piper PA-28-140 Owner's Handbook requires flaps to be extended 25° for soft-field and short-field takeoffs. However, the flight instructor reported that a laminated checklist in the cockpit indicated 10° of flaps for a soft-field takeoff.
Probable Cause
The source did not provide a stated probable cause for the accident.