WPR22LA301

The pilot reported that, although the airplane’s climb started out fine, shortly after takeoff its performance dropped off. The pilot attempted to return to the airport to land, but was unable to maintain sufficient altitude to reach the runway. He conducted an off-airport forced landing in a field, where the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane’s performance chart indicated that an adequate rate of climb was available given the airplane’s gross takeoff weight and the density altitude that day. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and, therefore, the reason for the loss of performance could not be determined.

On August 11, 2022, about 1735 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N5780F, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Laurel, Montana. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that, shortly after takeoff, the airplane was not performing as expected. During the initial climb, he noticed that the engine rpm had dropped, and he attempted to turn back towards the airport. During the turn, the airplane was not able to maintain altitude and the pilot elected to land in a field. The airplane impacted terrain about ½ mile south of the airport and sustained substantial damage to the wings. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The density altitude was calculated to be about 5,457 ft. According to the pilot, the gross weight of the airplane at takeoff was about 1,921 lbs, which was about 230 lbs below the maximum weight for takeoff. The pilot’s operating handbook for the airplane indicated that the airplane should have been capable of a 450 fpm rate of climb.