NYC97LA124

The pilot stated that he checked the fuel quantity and the magnetos prior to takeoff, and the engine 'ran perfect.' After takeoff, about 180 feet above the ground, the engine lost power. He attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. He then attempted to return to the airport, but the airplane collided with trees. A witness stated the airplane entered a 30 degree bank after the pilot announced engine trouble over the radio. Examination of the engine revealed the inside of the muffler was deteriorated and baffles were restricting the exhaust flow. An FAA Inspector stated the airport was surrounded by forced landing areas, to include an open field at the departure end of the runway.

On June 21, 1997, at 1105 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N43464, was destroyed when it collided with trees and impacted terrain during a forced landing after takeoff from the Hammonton Municipal Airport (N81) near Hammonton, New Jersey. The certificated private pilot, the sole occupant, received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the flight that originated at N81 approximately 1100. The intended destination for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 was Kentmorr Airport (3W3) near Kent Island, Maryland.

In a written statement, the pilot stated he checked the fuel quantity and the magnetos prior to takeoff. He said the airplane "ran perfect." The pilot further stated:

"After I left the ground, climbed to 170 to 180 feet. The motor lost power and stopped. I tried to start the motor, it would not start. I tried to make it back to field but crashed into trees."

In a telephone interview, one witness reported that the purpose of the flight was to follow N43464 to 3W3 and meet the pilot for lunch. She explained that she and her husband taxied out and performed their "run-up" at the same time as N43464. She stated that N43464 taxied to runway 21 and departed. She said:

"...just off the ground, over the end of the runway, he said he didn't think he could go. He said he was having engine problems ... a loss of power. He cleared the wires, he cleared the trees, and banked to the left ... bank angle was about thirty degrees. I noticed the pitch angle was a bit 'mushy', [the plane] wasn't gaining altitude."

The witness stated that the airplane descended behind trees 1/4 mile from the airport.

Examination of the airplane's engine was conducted at Mattituck Airbase Incorporated, Mattituck, New York, on July 11, 1997. The examination was witnessed by the Principal Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Safety Inspector and the Chief Inspector of Mattituck Airbase, Inc. In a written report, the Chief Inspector stated:

"The overall investigation revealed that the above mentioned engine was in normal in service operating condition."

Further examination of the airframe and engine muffler was completed by an FAA Airworthiness Inspector on July 24, 1997. According to the Inspector:

"The magneto switch was tested and was found to be operating normally. The left magneto "P" lead when tested, indicated a malfunction, which could have been the result of the impact damage. The right magneto "P" lead when tested revealed no abnormalities.

The muffler was completely disassembled, further inspection revealed the internal baffles had deteriorated causing a blockage of the exhaust gases exiting the muffler, which could cause loss of engine power."

In a telephone interview, the FAA Inspector stated the airfield was surrounded by several forced landing areas. He stated that an open field was directly across from the departure end of Runway 21.