Accident Overview
On August 30, 2021, at approximately 0819 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N864ZLM) was substantially damaged during a forced landing in a farm field near Grant-Valkaria, Florida. The private pilot and a pilot-rated passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the preflight inspection, departure, and climb were normal. After leveling off at 7,500 feet mean sea level, she began leaning the mixture. During this process, engine rpm dropped below 1,000. She responded by moving the mixture to full rich and applying full throttle, but the engine did not respond. The airplane began losing altitude rapidly; she attempted to restart the engine without success. She declared an emergency, and air traffic control provided radar vectors to Valkaria Airport (X59) in Valkaria, Florida. Unable to reach the airport, she performed a forced landing in a farm field. The aircraft collided with a fence and a ditch before coming to a stop. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane and were met by first responders.
Wreckage Examination
Federal Aviation Administration inspectors examined the wreckage and noted substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. There was no fire. The right-wing fuel tank contained approximately 17 to 18 gallons of fuel; the left tank was empty, but it had been compromised by impact forces.
The wreckage was moved to an aircraft salvage facility for further examination. The engine crankshaft rotated freely when turned manually via the propeller, with no internal binding detected. The engine appeared freshly painted and recently overhauled. Fuel and oil lines, spark plugs, intake, and exhaust systems were in like-new condition. The carburetor was fractured in half due to impact. After removing the top spark plugs and rotating the propeller by hand, engine continuity was established through the drive train, and impulse couplings in the magnetos were heard snapping. Compression was confirmed on all cylinders. Aside from the impact-damaged carburetor, the examination found no evidence of a preexisting mechanical anomaly or failure.