Engine torque surge leads to wing strike during takeoff

No fatalities • Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America • Takeoff (climb)

A turboprop aircraft experienced an unexpected engine torque surge following landing gear retraction, resulting in a wing strike and excursion from the runway.

What happened

During the preflight phase, the pilot completed a standard inspection and an engine run-up of the turboprop aircraft, noting no issues with the machinery. The flight proceeded normally through the initial takeoff roll and lift-off. However, the flight profile changed immediately after the pilot began the process of retracting the landing gear. At this moment, a decrease in engine torque was observed, though the engine RPM remained stable.

Following this initial drop, the engine torque experienced a sudden surge back to full power. This surge continued as the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft back toward the runway. During this period of instability, the left wing of the turboprop made contact with the ground. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in the grass adjacent to the runway.

Findings

Post-accident investigations of the engine, propeller, and associated accessories showed no signs of mechanical failure or malfunctions that would have prevented the engine from operating correctly prior to the event. While the engine experienced a significant power fluctuation, the specific reason for the partial loss of engine power and subsequent surge could not be identified from the available data.

Probable cause

The cause of the engine torque fluctuation and subsequent power surge remains undetermined.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2017-11-25 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident near Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America?

A turboprop aircraft experienced an unexpected engine torque surge following landing gear retraction, resulting in a wing strike and excursion from the runway.

Were there any fatalities in the 2017-11-25 Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2017-11-25 involved a Piper PA-46 (Malibu/Meridian/Mirage/Matrix/M-Class), registration N863RB, operated by BelleAire, at Saint Petersburg-Clearwater, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the engine torque fluctuation and subsequent power surge remains undetermined.

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