What happened
The Piper PA-38-112 had just departed from the airport and was maneuvering on the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern when the engine lost power unexpectedly. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot initiated an emergency landing in an adjacent cemetery. Upon impact, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Despite the severity of the crash, both the pilot and the passenger emerged with only minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage to determine the root cause of the engine failure. A thorough inspection of the fuel system revealed that there was adequate fuel remaining in the tanks at the time of the incident, ruling out fuel exhaustion as an immediate factor. To further assess the engine's mechanical integrity, it was removed and subjected to a bench test run. The engine performed satisfactorily during this test, showing no obvious mechanical defects or performance issues under controlled conditions.
Findings
The investigation could not pinpoint a specific mechanical failure or operational error that led to the power loss. With fuel present and the engine testing well post-accident, the exact reason for the in-flight shutdown remains unknown. The incident highlights the risks associated with sudden engine failures during low-altitude phases of flight.