20201002018469A

2020-10-02, 1505L, N62ZM a Piper meridian, departed rwy 32 at Lake Elmo Airport (21D). The gear and flaps were raised, immediately thereafter there was a momentary power loss. As the PIC returned his hand to throttle, power was restored and he made a left turn with the intent to return to rwy 04 for landing. The aircraft made a 140 degree left turn and crashed in a cornfield heading 278 deg and .6 miles from the departure end of rwy 32.

The morning of the mishap was the first flight for this PIC in his newly purchased aircraft. He picked it up from the company that did the prebuy and maintenance punchlist for him at anoka county airport, MN (kane). He flew the aircraft for 11 min from kane to 21D, the intent was to purchase cheaper fuel and fly back to Texas. After landing the PIC noticed fuel dripping from the engine and on the nose gear door. He called the maintenance shop and was directed to drain the epa tank. One cup of fuel was drained. After fueling, the PIC and his wife went out to depart. The PIC noticed the itt did not rise on the start attempt, and then realized he had not turned on boost pumps or ignitors, so he aborted the start. Some white/yellowish smoke rose from the top engine cowl; maintenace contributed it to cold fuel being sprayed on hot turbine blades. The PIC departed for 4 hours letting the aircraft rest and then returned for an uneventful start up, run up and take off roll.

County 5/stillwater road is .7 miles north of rwy 32 and runs horizontal to it. The aircraft path never crossed this road according to a witness. This suggests a geometry that approximately .3 miles after the end of the runway N62ZM began its left turn. The PIC described it as "an aggressive" left turn. Only 140 degrees of turn was completed, however approximating the geometry, had 180 degrees been accomplished this aircraft would have been on about a .4 mile parallel downwind to rwy 32, suggesting a tighter turn than standard. Somewhere passing 90 degrees of turn the PIC experienced power loss, lowered the nose with the intent to land in the cornfield as he saw the line of hardwood trees just pass the corn. These trees are along the train tracks, less than a tenth of a mile past the point where his aircraft came to rest.

The PIC states that they hit hard which is consistent with witnesses stating they saw the aircraft disappear in the 9 foot corn and then bounce up for a visual flash. The chop pattern also suggest that the left wing did come back up after the initial impact. From initial impact to stopping point was approximately 300 ft. a post crash fire began forward and right of the aircraft. The PIC shut off the condition lever and battery and they both self egressed the left side door. His wife immediately started to fight the fire with the on board hand held extinguisher to no avail. Nearby firefighters arrived on an atv and fought the blaze.

The right wing was burned and fire damage occurred along the right side of the fuselage. All prop blades had broken off, remnants found near initial point of impact. The gear and flaps were up. Salvage crews pumped out a full left wing and few gallons remained on the right side as well. First responders called for transport of both persons. The PIC was treated for minors while his wife was admitted for extensive back surgery.

The aircraft suffered substantial damage and is awaiting a post accident manufacturer engine exam. Amendment will be made as appropriate.