ERA23LA093

The pilot performed a normal preflight inspection and engine run-up before departing and everything was normal. Shortly after takeoff, the pilot noticed a drop in airspeed and the airplane was losing altitude. Though he did not hear any unusual noises or vibrations, he figured the engine lost power and made a forced landing to a partially frozen creek, where the airplane sank. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no preimpact malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Weather conditions as the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

On December 26, 2022, about 1022 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-151, N1867H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident shortly after takeoff from Lee County Airport (ANP), Annapolis, Maryland. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that he performed a normal preflight inspection in accordance with the checklist. He then performed a normal run-up of the engine and departed. The pilot was monitoring the airspeed on departure so he could retract the flaps when the airplane reached 70 knots; however, at a height of 500 ft above the ground, he noticed that the airspeed was decreasing below 60 knots without out any changes to pitch attitude. The pilot thought the engine had lost power (he did not feel any vibration or unusual noise) and he pushed the nose over to gain airspeed. The pilot made a forced landing to a partially frozen creek, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe, left wing, and an engine mount. The airplane sank and was later recovered. Examination of the engine was conducted by removing the spark plugs and manually rotating the undamaged, two-bladed propeller. Compression and valvetrain continuity were established on each cylinder and normal firing of both magneto impulse couplings was noted. A magneto test box was connected to the magneto "P" lead connections. The ignition key switch system was tested to the magnetos to trace proper grounding to the off position and correct operation through the "right, left and both" magneto positions. The magneto to engine timing was in normal range and exhibited normal right- to- left offset. Both fuel tanks were intact and half-full of fuel. The carburetor drain plug was removed and a fuel sample primarily contained water and no other material contaminants. The firewall drain sump was destroyed from impact. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were not conducive to carburetor icing. Examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.