Accident Overview
On June 24, 2021, at approximately 1115 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2143G, was destroyed when it impacted terrain near Easton, Maryland. The airplane was operated as a 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot, a student, sustained serious injuries.
Flight Sequence
According to the student pilot, a preflight inspection was conducted with no anomalies. The student and his instructor completed the engine run-up and takeoff without issue. They remained in the airport traffic pattern, performing three takeoffs and landings before the instructor deplaned, allowing the student to conduct three solo takeoffs and landings.
After the second takeoff, while turning onto the downwind leg, the student heard a reduction in engine power and observed the propeller slowing. At an altitude of about 700 ft above ground level, he pitched the airplane forward to prevent a stall. Believing he could not return to the airport, he selected a field and maneuvered for a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane struck a pile of metal on the ground.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that the airplane appeared to pitch nose-up before reaching the field, then stalled and impacted a construction area. Ground personnel rescued the student pilot before a postcrash fire occurred.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was transported to an aircraft recovery facility for examination. The fuselage above the lower fuselage skin and structure below the floorboards was consumed by fire. The instrument panel, most instruments, avionics, gauges, and switches were fire-damaged and unreadable. The firewall separated from the fuselage; the rudder pedal assembly remained attached to the firewall. Flight control cable continuity for the aileron, stabilator, and rudder was continuous from the cockpit to the respective control surfaces, except for separations consistent with cuts made during recovery near the wing roots and tailcone.
The propeller remained attached to the crankshaft flange. Both magnetos remained installed on the back of the accessory housing but were consumed by fire. Cylinder examination via borescope revealed minor scoring. No anomalies were noted with the engine or airframe that would have precluded normal operation. Due to fire damage, the ignition and fuel systems could not be tested.