Piper PA28

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the owner wanted him to fly the airplane to a mechanic to look at the airplane "deeply" but did not mention any specific mechanical issues with the airplane. During preflight, he did not observe anything abnormal. He also added that, during the initial taxi, the airplane "pulled more power than usual", but he observed no issues with the brakes or flight controls.

The pilot reported that, during approach to a 2,300 ft grass airstrip, about 60 knots with full flaps, he reduced power to idle to flare. The airplane was "still floating" and about midfield he observed that the rpm had increased with the power at idle to about 1,000 to 1,200 rpm. He retracted the flaps to 15° to execute a go around, but before he increased power, the airplane touched down on the runway. He was going to continue the go around but realized the airplane would be unable to clear power lines and trees at the end of the runway. He then braked hard, but was unable to stop on the grass, so he shut off the fuel pump and closed the mixture. He added that the "engine did not stop" and the airplane continued due to momentum. He applied full brakes with an "s turn and 180 turn", the airplane slid on the grass, and the left wing struck a wooden pole. The airplane came to an abrupt stop and he observed the engine and propeller had stopped.

He added that he was "very familiar with this airport, and believe[d] the accident [was] due to mechanical failure."

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector reported that he attempted to examine the airplane engine, but the airplane was unavailable.

The manufacturer's prescribed "Go Around" checklist stated:

Throttle………………………..FULL

Carb Heat……………………….OFF

Flaps……….RETRACT TO 20 DEG

Vy……………………….….79KIAS

Flaps…………..…RETRACT PROC