Accident Details
On October 25, 2018, at 0915 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N68WD, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field after a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from New Market Airport (8W2) in New Market, Virginia. The airplane was operating as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight had departed at 0850 and was destined for Luray Caverns Airport (LUA) in Luray, Virginia.
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff the engine suddenly reduced to idle power. Unable to maintain altitude, he landed in a cornfield. During the landing, the left main landing gear penetrated the left wing and separated from the airplane. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the firewall and an engine mount sustained substantial damage.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued in September 2016. He reported a total of 470 flight hours.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine after the accident. Manual rotation of the propeller established compression and valve train continuity on all cylinders. Continuity of the throttle and mixture cables to the carburetor was confirmed, though the mixture cable was jammed due to impact damage. The throttle moved freely, and moving it caused the accelerator pump to function and pump fuel. The carburetor showed no external damage. However, when the air box and alternate air control were removed, a dead mouse fell from the intake manifold onto the ground.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported at Front Royal Warrenton County Airport (FRR) in Front Royal, Virginia, at 0935 indicated calm wind, visibility 10 miles, and clear skies.