Accident Details
On June 23, 2023, at approximately 1458 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T airplane, registration N8446B, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Baytown, Texas. The pilot reported minor injuries. The flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions
According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice instrument flight maneuvers in preparation for an upcoming instrument flight rules check ride. After about 30 minutes of flight time, while 5 to 7 miles east of the airport, the engine began to run rough. The pilot leaned the fuel mixture, and the engine returned to normal operation. A few minutes later, the engine again ran rough. The pilot enriched the fuel mixture and turned on the auxiliary fuel pump to the low position, restoring normal engine operation. The pilot then returned to the airport, entered a left downwind, and opted to fly a normal traffic pattern. When the airplane was on final approach, approximately 1/2 to 1 mile from the airport, the engine lost total power. Unable to reach the airport, the pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent field. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright. The pilot estimated that the airplane contained about 50 gallons of fuel before takeoff.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed an unspecified amount of usable fuel in both wing fuel tanks, with no contamination. Fuel was present in the engine fuel lines forward of the firewall, engine fuel pump, throttle body, and fuel manifold valve. The magnetos were manually rotated and produced spark at each spark plug. Mechanical continuity was confirmed throughout the engine and accessories when the propeller was manually rotated. The engine turbocharger compressor and turbine wheels were free to rotate. Due to impact damage to the underside of the engine and engine crankshaft, the engine could not be functionally tested.