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Casualties unknown

Single-Engine Aircraft Strikes Power Lines After Engine Power Loss (N7546R)

Needham, AR, US

On April 29, 2003, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7546R) operated by Michael L. Barkley was involved in an aviation accident near Needham, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A single-engine aircraft was destroyed after striking power lines following an engine power loss shortly after takeoff from a private grass airstrip. The pilot reported normal preflight operations and attempted to avoid a truck on a roadway.

Accident Overview

A single-engine aircraft was destroyed when it impacted power lines and subsequently the ground after experiencing a loss of engine power following takeoff from a private grass airstrip.

Pilot Report

The private pilot reported that all preflight checks, ground run, and taxi were normal. Immediately after lift-off, the engine lost power. The pilot made a decision to fly over power lines to avoid a truck that was present on a roadway directly ahead of his flight path.

Impact and Aftermath

The aircraft struck the power lines and then impacted the ground. The aircraft was destroyed as a result of the impact.

Investigation

An investigation was conducted, but the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Apr 2003 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Needham, AR?

A single-engine aircraft was destroyed after striking power lines following an engine power loss shortly after takeoff from a private grass airstrip. The pilot reported normal preflight operations and attempted to avoid a truck on a roadway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Apr 2003 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7546R, operated by Michael L. Barkley, at Needham, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030501X00605. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.