On October 24, 1991, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N7501Z) operated by Murphy's Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Thomasville, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN A PROPER DESCENT RATE DURING THE FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An agricultural aircraft experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff, forced landing in a cotton field resulted in gear separation and post-crash fire.
Summary
An agricultural pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, at about 100 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and quit. The pilot turned toward a harvested cotton field to perform a forced landing. While maneuvering, he pumped the throttle; the engine restarted briefly before quitting again. The aircraft landed hard, causing the main landing gear to separate upon impact. The airplane slid approximately 50 feet, came to a stop, and subsequently caught fire.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector reported that the aircraft impacted the terrain at a high sink rate. A teardown inspection of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical failure or malfunction. The pilot reported no indication of fuel contamination during his preflight inspection. However, fire damage precluded examination of the aircraft's fuel supply for contaminants.
Conditions and Findings
No determination of the cause of the engine failure was provided. The source does not state a probable cause for the accident.