Accident Details
On February 4, 2022, about 1212 central standard time, a Piper PA-28R-201 airplane, registration N5145W, was substantially damaged during an accident near Olathe, Kansas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot had landed at the Olathe-Johnson County Executive Airport (OJC) in Olathe, Kansas, and added fuel to the airplane. During departure, when the airplane was approximately 700 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a field, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
The airplane was equipped with a JP Instrument Engine Data Monitor 730, which recorded several parameters during the accident flight. The recording started at about 1200, and at about 1209 the parameters were consistent with a takeoff. At about 1210:50, the engine rpm decreased to about 1,500 rpm, and the exhaust gas temperature and cylinder head temperature decreased. The recording ended at about 1212:50.
Engine Examination
An examination of the engine and fuel system conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration did not reveal preimpact anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operations. The engine's fuel servo and fuel flow divider were sent for further examination and a bench test.
Fuel System Findings
The bench test of the fuel servo indicated that fuel flow was within tolerances; however, the idle fuel flow was lean with the metering head increased to the maximum limit. Examination of the fuel servo and fuel flow divider found contamination with a substance consistent with Krytox, a lubricant normally used during assembly of the fuel servo. A fuel sample taken from the truck that fueled the airplane was free of contamination.