Incident Overview
On 28 August 2000 at approximately 1430 UTC, a Piper PA-46-310P Malibu (registration N88PL) suffered an engine power loss during its third takeoff of the day from Grove Fields Farm, Warwickshire. The aircraft was on a private flight with the commander, a 57-year-old private pilot with a Instrument Rating, and five passengers on board. The commander had accumulated 3,240 total flight hours, including 1,300 hours on type. The aircraft was manufactured in 1985 and powered by a single Continental TSIO-550-C1B piston engine.
Sequence of Events
Two previous takeoffs from the same direction had been completed without incident. The pilot believed the aircraft was lighter for the third takeoff due to less fuel and no baggage, with a similar passenger load. The aircraft became airborne at the normal position, but the engine then lost power. The pilot executed a straight-ahead landing and applied maximum braking. With the engine power off, the aircraft continued skidding on the grass, passed through the runway-end fence, and came to a relatively gentle stop 35 metres into the adjacent field. The resulting damage was limited to the landing gear and propeller.
Possible Cause Considered
Following the event, the pilot suggested that over-fuelling of the engine might have been a possible cause, noting that the spark plugs and exhaust appeared particularly black and sooty.
Engine History and Examination
The engine had undergone a shock load inspection and repair in March 2000 following an earlier accident in August 1999 at the same location (AAIB Bulletin No 10/99). The engine was reassembled with new seals, gaskets, main and big-end bearings, and a new crankshaft. Exhaust studs on cylinders 1, 2, 4, and 6 were also replaced. After a normally aspirated proof test run on a dynamometer, the engine was released for continued service at 126.5 hours.
Following the power loss incident, the engine was removed and subjected to a test bed run, during which it performed to specification. As of the bulletin, the aircraft was under repair. The report noted that if any defects associated with the engine installation were identified, they would be reported in a subsequent AAIB Bulletin.