A new PA32 owner experiences power loss during takeoff and rejects. A mechanic discovers that the duct connecting the air filter box to the fuel injection unit is collapsed and the wrong part. Other anomalies are noted which had been missed on a recent pre buy inspection.

Narrative

Upon completion of Run-up and Pre Takeoff Checklist with no anomalies found we called Tower and were cleared for takeoff. Full Throttle was applied and takeoff roll begun. Takeoff Engine Checks revealed satisfactory readings except for RPM slightly lower than normal full power indications. At approximately 45 KTS a slight decrease in acceleration was noted followed quickly by a loss in power and then recovery. Takeoff was aborted; Tower was notified and we received clearance to taxi back to the ramp to investigate. At the ramp full throttle was applied. At nearly full RPM the engine faltered and recovered twice. We taxied to parking and shutdown. Fuel was drained again and our preliminary examination did not reveal any problems. A search for a Mechanic was initiated.We were asked to move the aircraft to a different parking location whereupon the engine failed to start. The following is a quote from the mechanic that worked on the aircraft: 'We went down to look at your plane today. Attached is a photo of the air duct that connects your air-filter box to your fuel injection unit. It is not only the wrong part; but it is in very bad shape and collapsed causing the engine to be starved of air. You are very lucky this did not fail in flight!' The aircraft had flown only 13 hours since a Pre Buy Inspection and an Annual Inspection. There were two other less serious problems that were also either missed or overlooked. A significant contributing factor may have been that the Pre Buy Inspection and the Annual were performed by the same Company.