Accident Summary
On May 4, 2015, at approximately 1145 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28-235 airplane, registration N8703W, was substantially damaged during an off-airport forced landing in Huntington, Indiana. The pilot and a person on the ground sustained minor injuries.
Flight Details
The airplane was operated by a private individual under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight departed from Anderson Municipal Airport (AID), Anderson, Indiana, and was destined for De Kalb County Airport (GWB), Auburn, Indiana, located about 76 miles away.
Engine Failure and Landing
According to the pilot, during cruise flight at approximately 2,000 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a sudden and complete loss of power. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a two-lane paved highway. During the landing, the airplane struck the rear of a pickup truck that was stopped at a traffic signal.
Damage
The impact resulted in substantial damage to the airplane and the complete separation of the right wing. The airplane came to rest inverted in a ditch about 250 feet from the initial impact point.
Fuel Information
In a conversation with the NTSB investigator in charge, the pilot reported having about 5 gallons of fuel in the left main fuel tank, about 16 gallons in the right main tank, and 6 gallons in the right tip fuel tank, with the fuel selector positioned on the left main tank.
According to the Piper PA28 Pilot Owners Handbook, at 75% power, fuel consumption is 14 gallons per hour. The handbook also listed a cruise speed of 146 mph (126.9 knots) at sea level and 156 mph (135.6 knots) at 7,000 feet.