N5530F

On September 21, 2000, about 1548 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, N5530F, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged when it collided with the ground following a partial loss of engine power during initial climb following takeoff from Deland Municipal-Sidney H. Taylor Airport in Deland, Florida. The airline transport pilot, the sole occupant aboard, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight being conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. The flight originated at 1545, with a planned destination of Witham Field Airport in Stuart, Florida.

According to the pilot, shortly after departure from runway 23 while approximately 200 feet agl (above ground level), the engine rpm dropped to 1500 and the engine began to run rough. As a result of power lines off the departure end of the runway, the pilot elected to make a 180-degree turn in an attempt to land on runway 5. Due to another airplane having just landed on runway 23, the pilot landed on the grass adjacent to runway 5. During the impact sequence, the nose and right main landing gear were sheared off, and the right wing and firewall were bent.

A post-accident examination of the engine, revealed that the exhaust valve for the number two cylinder was stuck in the open position. A review of the airplane's maintenance records revealed that 791 hours had accumulated since the cylinder was last overhauled.