Accident Overview
On July 16, 2024, at approximately 1747 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, registration N1941V, was substantially damaged in an accident near Arcola, Texas. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the accident occurred during the first flight after an annual inspection, and that the airplane had not been flown for about three months. He noted that the airplane was fully fueled before the flight. A detailed preflight inspection and an extended before-takeoff run-up were normal. The takeoff and initial climb proceeded as expected until the airplane reached approximately 300 ft above ground level, at which point the engine abruptly lost power. The pilot attempted to land on the remaining runway but was unsuccessful. The airplane touched down hard and subsequently overran the runway.
Aircraft Damage
The airplane came to rest off the departure end of the runway. The left wing was partially separated from the fuselage at the root. The left side of the fuselage and the engine cowling were damaged.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident airframe examination revealed that the gascolator strainer bowl was partially separated from the gascolator housing. The inboard hook of the gascolator bail (retaining wire) was engaged in the firewall bracket but did not continue into the upper portion of the gascolator housing. The retaining nut at the bottom of the bail was loose, with about six threads visible on the threaded shaft. No safety wire was present on the retaining nut or the bail. Additionally, a clear streak about 6 inches long was present on the bottom of the fuselage running aft from the firewall below the gascolator assembly. No other airframe anomalies were observed. A postrecovery engine examination did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power.
Maintenance History
The airframe manufacturer had issued service letter No. 1141, dated April 27, 2011, recommending recurring inspection of the gascolator assembly every 90 days or 50 hours time in service. The service letter also specified safety wire for the bail (retaining wire) and for the strainer bowl retaining nut. The mechanics acknowledged that safety wire was not reinstalled on the gascolator after the annual inspection.