Accident Overview
On March 10, 2018, about 1655 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N6611J, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Montague, California. The aircraft was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot and two passengers were not injured.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported performing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings. During one takeoff, the pilot noted that "something wasn't right." The engine did not lose power, but the airplane was not "producing lift." The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the airplane contacted power lines and subsequently impacted terrain about 1 mile east of the runway.
Aircraft Examination
Post-accident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Flight control continuity was established from the cockpit controls to the respective flight control surfaces. The wing flap torque tubes were consistent with the flaps being retracted at the time of impact. The propeller remained attached to the engine, and both blades exhibited chordwise scoring and leading-edge gouges. The engine remained attached to the fuselage with no major visible impact damage. During a test run, the engine ran smoothly and continuously at various power settings. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.