On May 27, 1993, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5272Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Searcy, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: TOTAL POWER LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO UNDETERMINED REASONS. A FACTOR WAS THE UNSUITABLE TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost power on both engines after takeoff while adjusting propellers, executed a forced landing in a pasture, and the nose gear collapsed during the landing roll.
Incident Details
During initial climb after takeoff, the pilot was passing through 700 feet above mean sea level when he adjusted the propellers. Immediately after this adjustment, power was lost on both engines. The pilot stated that he promptly pushed all controls forward in response.
Landing
The pilot turned the aircraft back toward the airport, intending to land on either the runway or the taxiway. However, both surfaces were occupied by other aircraft. He then elected to land with the landing gear extended in an open pasture.
Damage
During the landing roll in the pasture, the nose gear collapsed.