Accident Summary
On March 29, 2023, about 1915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, registration N56793, sustained substantial damage in an accident near Lincoln, Illinois. The private pilot and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight History
Prior to the local area flight, the pilot completely filled all four fuel tanks with 100 low lead fuel. The purpose of the flight was to conduct instrument flight training in visual meteorological conditions with the flight instructor. According to automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast data, the airplane departed from Logan County Airport (AAA) in Lincoln, Illinois, about 1823. After departing to the east, the airplane performed the training. Once completed, it returned to the airport, where the private pilot, acting as pilot-in-command, conducted takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern.
Accident Sequence
The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach for runway 3. While on final approach, the pilot attempted to add power, but the engine did not respond. The airplane continued to descend, and the pilot had no further recollection after that point. The flight instructor, who was a passenger at the time, confirmed the total loss of engine power and stated that the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted a church parking lot and came to rest upright against a garden structure, about half a mile southwest of the approach end of runway 3.
Postaccident Findings
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Both wing fuel tanks were breached during the accident sequence, and no fuel could be recovered; the fuel amount onboard at the time could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of meteorological data indicated that the airplane was likely operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing for glide and cruise power, and serious carburetor icing for glide power.