Accident Details
On October 13, 2019, at approximately 1215 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-200 airplane, registration N75139, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Springtown, Texas. The pilot, who sustained minor injuries, was the sole occupant. The airplane was registered to U.S. Aviation Group LLC and operated by U.S. Aviation Academy as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 positioning flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan.
Flight History
The flight originated from Kezer Air Ranch Airport (61TE), Springtown, Texas, about 1200 and was destined for Denton Enterprise Airport (DTO), Denton, Texas. The pilot, who also held a mechanic certification, stated that he had been requested to travel to 61TE to inspect an airplane that had experienced a loss of engine power and forced landing the previous day. He intended to fly the airplane back to DTO if it was safe. Upon inspection, he found the left fuel tank empty and the right fuel tank full. He performed a preflight inspection, including taking a fuel sample from the right tank and the gascolator; no contamination was observed.
Engine and Pre-Takeoff Checks
After selecting the right fuel tank, the engine started normally and ran smoothly. The pilot taxied to the runup pad and conducted an extensive run-up, checking for any abnormalities. All engine instrument indications were normal. He then lined up on the runway, advanced the throttle to takeoff power, and held the brakes while again looking for any indication of abnormality. With the engine running smoothly, he released the brakes and took off.
Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing
After takeoff, the pilot circled the airport while climbing to 4,500 feet mean sea level before heading to DTO. About 10 miles north of 61TE, the engine suddenly lost power with no prior indication of a problem. The pilot attempted to glide back to the departure airport, but the airplane did not have sufficient altitude. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a steel fence gate.
Post-Accident Examination
A postrecovery engine run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. The engine started without difficulty and ran smoothly at all power settings. A magneto check was unremarkable; each magneto exhibited an approximate 75 rpm drop. An examination of the fuel selector did not reveal any anomalies.