N31981Piper PA-32RT-300T · 1978

On September 9, 2022, about 0750 central daylight time, a Piper PA32RT-300T airplane, N31981, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bulverde, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.

The pilot reported that during the takeoff from Bulverde Airpark (1TT8), Bulverde, Texas, the airplane did not accelerate as planned. The pilot reported that he was not going to be able to stop on the remaining runway, so he continued the takeoff in order to avoid contacting a fence and vehicles at the end of the runway. The airplane cleared powerlines, trees, and a school at the end of the runway, but was nearing a stall, so the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing the airplane collided with a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.

Postaccident examination of the engine found excessive carbon deposits around the No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve. A large amount of carbon build up was found on the rocker arm, rocker shaft, and valve spring. The rotator cap also had carbon deposits and exhibited a groove wear pattern consistent with a lack of cap rotation. The exhaust valve guide had excessive wobble and movement within the guide. The No. 5 exhaust valve also displayed signatures of carbon buildup but not to the same extent as the No. 4.

No other anomalies were detected with the engine or airframe.