Piper PA-32RT N4321M accident near Wilmington, North Carolina

Probable cause

A partial loss of engine power during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was departing for a local flight, and following an uneventful preflight inspection, runup, and taxi, he began the takeoff. About 3 to 5 seconds into the initial climb the engine sustained a partial loss of power and the pilot elected to land straight ahead on the remaining runway. The runway was wet, and the airplane exited the departure end of the runway, coming to rest in a small retention pond. The pilot received minor injuries, the passenger was not injured, and the airplane’s right wing was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the engine found no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation and the reason for the partial loss of engine power could not be determined.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA366 for the full record.