NTSB Factual Report

On November 25, 2017, about 1315 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-46-500TP, N863RB, was substantially damaged when it experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climb from St. Pete/Clearwater International Airport (PIE), Clearwater, Florida. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by a corporation as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an instrument flight rules flight plan was filed for the flight that was destined for Pensacola International Airport (PNS), Pensacola, Florida.

According to the pilot, he performed a preflight inspection of the airplane and engine runup with no anomalies noted. The takeoff roll and lift off from runway 36 were "normal;" however, when he initiated a landing gear retraction, the engine torque decreased to 300-400 lbs, but the 2,000 rpm did not change. Next, the torque surged back to full power, and continued to surge. The pilot attempted to return to the runway instead of landing in the water; however, the left wing of the airplane struck the ground and it came to rest near runway 18.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the left wing was impact separated. The right wing remained attached to the fuselage. The fuselage was partially separated at the cabin section of the airframe. The engine remained attached to the airframe and the propeller remained attached to the engine.

The airplane was retained for further examination.