20010623015609A

(.19) On June 23, 2001, at 1158 central daylight time, a Cessna 182Q, N4834N, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of engine power during the initial takeoff climb near Houston, Texas. The airplane was registered to southwestern gas pipeline inc., of the woodlands, Texas, and operated by the pilot. The airline transport pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 maintenance test flight. The local flight originated from the David Wayne Hooks memorial airport, Houston, Texas, at 1156. According to witnesses, the airplane departed from runway 17L and was climbing through 300 feet when the engine "failed." The airplane was seen making a "steep," 180-degree turn to the right, back toward the airport, when the right wing dropped and the nose entered a nose low attitude. Subsequently, the airplane impacted ground. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane sustained substantial damage. (.4) according to the pilot, he and another individual completed teledyne Continental motors service information directive (SID) 97-3 (adjustment of the fuel flow injection system) and then completed an engine run-up. No anomalies were noted during the engine run-up. The pilot then taxied the airplane to takeoff for a test flight. The flight departed and while the airplane was climbing through 300 feet AGL the engine lost total power. The pilot stated that he turned the fuel selector to the off position and executed a forced landing adjacent to the airport. The airplane contacted trees and the ground during the forced landing, and came to rest upright. According to witnesses, the airplane departed from runway 17L and was climbing through 300 feet when the engine "failed." The airplane was observed making a "steep" 180-degree turn to the right back toward the airport when the right wing dropped, and the airplane entered a nose low attitude and impacted the ground. The engine was test run and examined, and no findings were observed that would preclude operation of the engine. Additionally, the fuel metering unit, fuel manifold, and fuel pump were examined and flow tested and no anomalies were noted. (-23) maintenance was performed on the fuel system. Teledyne Continental service information directive #SID 97-3 (attached). After service information directive was complied with the aircraft was taxied to runway 17L for departure. Aircraft was cleared for take-off on 17L. After take-off aircraft climbed to an altitude of approximately 200' to 300' when the engine "surged" and quit. Pilot stated at that time he told the tower he had an engine failure. Attempted a 180 degree turn to the right to land on runway 35L. Aircraft descended into a field approximately 300 yards off of the departure end of runway 17R, coming to rest on a compass heading of 350 degrees with the left wing resting in some trees. On site investigation revealed the followiing: impact point to resting place 39 paces; nose and right main gear torn away from aircraft; engine bent down in about 25 degree angle, master switch, magneto switch and fuel selector switch in the off position. There was some unknown black putty like material sealing the vent tube of the right fuel tank. Both fuel tanks were intact and there was no evidence of fuel lea king. (Continued on additional sheet).