Engine failure and post-impact fire during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Thomasville, GA, US

An aircraft experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in a cotton field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

What happened

Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet AGL, the engine of the aircraft sputtered and ceased operation. In response to the loss of power, the pilot turned the aircraft toward a harvested cotton field to execute a forced landing.

During the descent, the pilot attempted to restart the engine by pumping the throttle; however, the engine restarted briefly before quitting a second time. The aircraft struck the terrain with a high sink rate. The force of the impact caused the main landing gear to separate from the airframe. Following the impact, the airplane slid approximately 50 feet before coming to a complete stop, at which point it caught fire.

The pilot was not injured.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-10-24 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Thomasville, GA?

An aircraft experienced engine failure shortly after takeoff, resulting in a forced landing in a cotton field and a subsequent post-crash fire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-10-24 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N7501Z, operated by Murphy's Flying Service, at Thomasville, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

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.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18246. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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