N43376

On September 25, 2003, approximately 1900 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151 single-engine airplane, N43376, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power during takeoff initial climb from the Southeast Texas Regional Airport (BPT), near Beaumont, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to King Interests, Inc., of League City, Texas, and operated by King Flight Service, of Pearland, Texas. Twilight visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 repositioning flight. The flight originated from BPT approximately 5 minutes before the time of the accident and was destined for the Pearland Regional Airport, near Pearland, Texas.

The 515-hour pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) that during the initial climb from BPT, at an approximate altitude of 2,000 feet msl, the "engine was running rough." He executed a precautionary landing to a field near the airport. The pilot stated that prior to landing, he "banked [the airplane] sharply to the left to avoid power lines." Subsequently, the left wing impacted the ground and the airplane came to rest upright, approximately one mile south of runway 34.

Examination of the airplane by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the left wing was partially separated from the fuselage and the left wing spar was broken. The left wing fuel tank was compromised and the right wing fuel tank was intact with visual signs of fuel. Both the left and right fuel caps were secure.

Examination of the Lycoming O-320-D3G engine revealed the bottom spark plugs contained fuel. Both magnetos produced spark on all posts. Continuity was established throughout the engine, and thumb compression was noted on all four cylinders.

The FAA inspector reported that the most recent maintenance performed on the aircraft prior to the accident flight was for the installation of a new carburetor.

The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.