What happened
On October 11, 2013, a Piper PA 28-180, registration N31BA, was climbing to cruise altitude approximately 15 minutes after departing from Cody, Wyoming. During this climb, the engine lost power. The pilot monitored the cockpit gauges and attempted to switch fuel tanks, but the engine failed to restart.
Following the loss of power, the pilot initiated a forced landing. During the descent through mountainous terrain, the aircraft struck trees and the ground. The accident resulted in one serious injury and one minor injury, with no fatalities.
The investigation
The investigation could not determine the specific reason for the engine power loss because the wreckage was not recovered for post-accident examination.