20001128038609A

(.19) On November 28,2000 about 1200 EST, a Piper PA-28, N5035W, was substantially damaged after a total loss of engine power during takeoff from Lebanon-warren county airport (I68) Lebanon, Ohio. The certificated commercial pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight that was conducted under 14 CFR part 91. According to the pilot, this was the first flight since the airplane had undergone maintenance for engine mount and propeller repairs. The airplane was removed from the hangar and the pilot conducted a preflight, to include draining the sumps and carburetor. The pilot added that since the airplane had just come out of maintenance, he looked more closely at the airplane than normal, especially the engine compartment. Once satisfied with the airworthiness of the airplane, the pilot boarded and taxied to pickup a passenger that just wanted to go for a ride. With the passenger onboard, the pilot taxied the airplane short of runway 18, a 4,502 foot long runway, and performed the engine run-up checks. He checked the magnetos, and carburetor heat in both cases identifying no anomalities. With the run-up checks complete and 10 degrees of flaps, the pilot taxied onto the runway, advanced the throttle, and departed. Once airborne, the pilot climbed the airplane to 4,000 feet MSL, and conducted some upper air-work. Satisfied with the airplane's performance, the pilot descended and manuevered the airplane onto a left downwind leg for a touch-and-go on runway 18. The pilot completed the base leg portion of the traffic pattern and then turned final. Once on final, the pilot selected 10 degrees of flaps, and the airplane touched down in the first 1/4 of the runway. The pilot advanced the throttle for takeoff, and the airplane accelerated. The takeoff sequence was normal until the airplane reached approx. 50 feet AGL, and the engine lost power. The pilot set the airplane back down on the runway. With the passenger and pilot on the rudders, and the pilot applying the hand brake, the airplane departed the right side of the runway, hit a bank, and came to a stop. According to the passenger, after returning to the airport, the pilot decided to excute a touch-and-go to runway 18. With one notch of flaps, the airplane touched down about 1/4 of the way down the runway. The pilot added power to execute the takeoff portion of the touch-and-go. The engine responded but when the airplane was apporx. 150 ft AGL, the engien started to run rough. The pilot selected the electric fuel boost pump switch to "on", but the engine continued to run rough. The apssenger could not recall if the propeller continued to rotate until impact. The airplane came to rest about 50 feet to the right of runway, and approx. 1,000 feet short of the departure end. According to a FAA inspector, on December 18, 2000, an engine run was conducted. Before the engine run, the fuel sumps were drained and found absent of debris. Some mud was removed from the air intake and the engine was preheated. When the starter switch was engaged, the propeller rotated three times and then the engine started. The engine ran rough for approx. 3 seconds then smoothed out. The engine run lasted approx. 2 minutes, and because of propeller damage, was limited to 600 RPM.