About 700 Ft Mean Sea Level, The Engine Began To Surge, Followed By A Total Loss Of Engine Power

Location: Snohomish, WA Accident Number: WPR22LA204
Date & Time: June 4, 2022, 14:30 Local Registration: N561PK
Aircraft: Piper PA-32-300 Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation – Personal

On June 4, 2022, about 1430 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, N561PK, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Snohomish, Washington. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that prior to takeoff from Harvey Field Airport (S43), Snohomish, he performed an uneventful engine runup, and elected to conduct a short field takeoff from runway 17. As the airplane ascended through about 700 ft mean sea level, the engine began to surge, followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot
attempted to land on a nearby road, however, he realized he was unable to make it, and landed in an open field.

During the landing roll, the airplane struck a dirt berm and became airborne briefly before it touched back down. The pilot stated that once the nose wheel landing gear settled onto the soft dirt, it immediately collapsed, and the airplane came to rest nose low.

Postaccident examination of the airplane by a local mechanic revealed that the engine mount was substantially damaged.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov