Piper PA32 N3595W accident near Atlanta, Georgia

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during takeoff due to a right magneto anomaly, which resulted in the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff and the subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB analysis

The commercial pilot reported that, after takeoff, the engine lost partial power. With limited runway remaining, the pilot decided to make a forced landing during which the airplane departed the runway and traveled about 200 ft into the grass. During the runway excursion the airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage.

A postaccident engine test run revealed that the right magneto exhibited a drop off of 245 rpm, which exceeded the airplane manufacturer’s ground check guidance. Furthermore, the timing of the right magneto could not be determined because the contact points would not open far enough. The left magneto operated normally and had proper timing. It is likely that the anomaly observed with the right magneto resulted in a partial loss of engine power, the pilot’s decision to abort the takeoff, and the subsequent runway excursion.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA019 for the full record.