CHI94LA303

The pilot reported he was attempting his third short/softfield takeoff from the 3220' turf strip when the engine lost all power. The power loss occurred at an estimated altitude of 15-20' AGL. The pilot said he decided to land straight ahead, but that just prior to touchdown, the engine regained power. The airplane flew for a short distance more, contacted the ground, and then struck a fence. Postaccident inspection of the airplane disclosed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies. Ample, visually uncontaminated fuel remained aboard postaccident. According to the operator and the FAA, the airplane had a previous, unexplained loss of engine power that resulted in a successful off airport landing without damage to the airplane or injury to its occupants.

On August 26, 1994, about 1910 central daylight time, A Piper PA- 38-112 airplane, N2409G, sustained substantial damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing during the initial climb from takeoff at Gardner Municipal Airport, Gardner, Kansas. The solo student pilot reported no injury. The 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan.

The pilot reported he was practicing a short and soft field takeoff techniques from runway 17, a 3220' turf runway. He said he had successfully completed two takeoffs and landings, and each time taxied back to the beginning of the runway. Shortly after liftoff on the third takeoff, at an estimated altitude of 15-20' agl, he said the engine lost all power. He decided to land straight ahead, but prior to touchdown, the engine regained power. The airplane continued flying just above the ground for a short distance until it struck a fence, collided with terrain and collapsed the nose gear.

A postaccident inspection of the engine and airframe discovered no preimpact mechanical anomalies. The fuel tanks contained 1/2 or greater quantities of visually uncontaminated fuel. The engine was started and ran. It started easily and ran readily to full power.

According to the operator and FAA inspectors, the accident airplane had lost engine power for an undetermined reason on April 13, 1994. The pilot of the airplane on the prior loss of engine power was able to make a successful landing without damage to the airplane or injury to its occupants.