N404DK

On June 4, 2004, about 1820 central daylight time, a North American T-28C, N404DK, owned and piloted by an airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from runway 35 (5,000 feet by 100 feet, asphalt) at the Manitowoc County Airport (MTW), Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The flight was operating under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The pilot stated that as he was reducing to climb power after takeoff, about 200 feet above ground level, he felt a severe vibration and heard several "bangs." He reported that the engine "wound down". He made a slight left turn toward an open field adjacent to a barn to set up for a gear-up forced landing. He noted that the touchdown was smooth and the aircraft slid for approximately 335 feet. The aircraft yawed as it slid and came to a stop when the tail struck a ditch adjacent to a roadway.

A post-accident examination determined that the #4 articulating rod had failed resulting in the engine failure. The pilot reported that the engine had accumulated 10,005 hours total time, with 11.4 hours since overhaul.