Introduction
On August 30, 2023, about 0942 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28 Archer, registration N33094, was substantially damaged during an accident near Kanab, Utah. The pilot and three passengers were not injured. The flight was conducted as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that during a takeoff attempt at full power, with two notches of flaps selected and about 60 feet above the ground, the airplane’s airspeed dropped and the engine lost power. The pilot maneuvered to avoid powerlines and executed an emergency landing in a field off the departure end of the runway. A witness’s residential security camera near Kanab Municipal Airport (KNB) captured audio that recorded the sound of a change in engine RPM consistent with a reduction in engine power immediately followed by the sound of impact.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot reported he began giving rides at 7:00 a.m. until 9:42 a.m., the time of the accident. The temperature had climbed about 20°F during that time. The airplane had been performing normally during the previous flights and had not had any issues. Pre-takeoff checks had been performed and the mixture leaned for takeoff. The airplane was within the maximum gross weight of 2,500 lbs and within the center of gravity limitations during the accident flight, though a review of the estimated weight and balance found the airplane was near the maximum gross weight.
Performance Calculations
The pilot estimated that given the weather conditions at the time of the accident, the airplane should have been capable of just under 450 ft per minute rate of climb. The calculated density altitude at the accident location and time was about 6,782 ft. Utilizing the performance instructions in the airplane flight manual, the assumed altitude and density altitude conditions, and an airplane loaded at maximum gross weight, the calculated climb performance would have been about 380 fpm.
Examination
A postaccident airframe and engine examination, with a subsequent engine test run, revealed no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation. Shortly after the accident, the pilot stated to an FAA representative that the engine never stopped running and that there were no preaccident mechanical issues. The pilot later retracted that statement.