ATL96LA014

Shortly after liftoff from the sod airstrip, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. During the attempted forced landing the airplane collided with trees. Examination of the engine assembly revealed that the camshaft drive gear retention bolt lockplate tabs were not bent into position to secure the bolt. A review of the aircraft maintenance records showed that the engine had been overhauled one flight hour before the accident.

On November 20, 1995, at 1640 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-22, N5057Z, collided with trees while attempting an emergency landing near Lake Ridge Airpark in Durham, North Carolina. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91, with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage; the commercial pilot received serious injuries. The accident occurred during the initial takeoff attempt from Durham.

The pilot stated that he completed the preflight inspection and an engine runup, and no engine problems were noted; the pilot taxied to runway 14 for the takeoff. As the airplane climbed through 350 feet, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. According to an eyewitness, the airplane developed an engine problem shortly after takeoff. The pilot selected a forced landing area and attempted a landing.

During the engine examination, there was no engine continuity from the crankshaft through to the tachometer shaft. The teardown examination of the accessory section disclosed that there were no bolts securing the camshaft drive gear to the camshaft. The examination of the gear assembly revealed that the lockplate lock tabs had not been bent around the bolt head. A review of the aircraft maintenance records disclosed that the engine had been overhauled by a local mechanic one flight hour before the accident.