Accident Overview
On November 21, 2022, at about 1805 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7261F, was substantially damaged in an accident near Manassas, Virginia. The student pilot was seriously injured; the flight instructor was not injured. The aircraft was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
Flight Sequence
According to the flight instructor, he and the student pilot initially performed maneuvers near the airport in a practice area before conducting touch-and-go landings. Four touch-and-go landings were completed without issue. During the fifth touch-and-go, after takeoff from runway 16L, the student pilot turned the aircraft onto the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern at about 950 ft above ground level. The flight instructor then heard a loud noise from the engine, followed by a complete loss of engine power.
Emergency Response
The instructor immediately took over the controls and notified air traffic control of the emergency. He turned the aircraft back toward the airport and initially aimed for runway 34R but realized he would not reach it. He then aligned with a taxiway and landed hard in a grassy area short of the taxiway.
Student Pilot Account
The student pilot stated that as he began the turn onto the crosswind leg with the engine at full power, he heard a loud sound from the engine, which then began to sputter and subsequently stopped. The flight instructor took control and executed a forced landing.
Wreckage Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage and found substantial damage to both wings. Fuel was present in both wing tanks.
Engine Examination
An airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the engine. Powertrain continuity was established throughout the engine. Compression and suction were observed in all cylinders. The oil filter was clean and free of debris. The electrical system functioned properly, and the magnetos were correctly timed. Fuel samples tested negative for water or contaminants. No anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal engine operation.
Carburetor Icing Conditions
The carburetor icing probability chart from Federal Aviation Administration Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 Carburetor Icing Prevention, June 30, 2009, indicated a probability of icing at glide and cruise power at the temperature and dew point recorded at the time of the accident.