Accident Details
On July 24, 2023, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N98134, was substantially damaged during an accident near New London, North Carolina. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight, having departed from Stanly County Airport (VUJ) in Albemarle, North Carolina.
According to the flight instructor, the preflight inspection, engine run-up, and takeoff were normal. During the subsequent climb, after reaching 1,900 ft mean sea level, the engine rpm began to drop. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, pitched for best glide speed, and attempted troubleshooting using the checklist but was unable to regain full power. The engine power remained at 1,000 rpm with the propeller continuing to rotate.
The instructor attempted to return to VUJ, but the airplane descended too quickly to reach the airport. He initiated a forced landing to a field bordered by trees. The airplane impacted treetops, then struck electrical transmission wires and terrain before coming to rest on its nose, partially inverted.
Injuries and Damage
The flight instructor sustained minor injuries, and the student pilot was seriously injured. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The right wing separated during impact, and the fuel tanks were breached. The fuselage was crushed forward from the engine compartment into the cockpit, and the engine and propeller were partially canted upward and aft into the cockpit instrument panel. The empennage was suspended by electrical transmission wires wrapped around the stabilator.
Postaccident Examination
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed an intact engine crankcase. The oil filter showed no foreign deposits or ferrous material; oil appeared dark brown, and lubricated components were well-lubricated. The fuel system was compromised during impact, but the fuel selector operated normally during testing, with no blockages in fuel lines from the wings to the gascolator.
An engine continuity check found compression on cylinders 1, 2, and 3, but no compression on cylinder 4. The No. 4 cylinder exhaust valve was stuck in the open position but became unstuck during manipulation. No thermal or impact damage was noted to the left side of the engine. Spark plugs from cylinders 3 and 4 had minor carbon buildup; others showed normal coloration. Magnetos produced a blue/purple spark when manipulated with a drill.
The propeller blades exhibited minor chordwise scraping, with one blade bent uniformly aft midspan. The propeller remained attached, and the spinner was crushed inward in a pattern indicative of reduced power.
No evidence was found to indicate a preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. The maintenance records indicated that during the last annual inspection eight months before the accident, the engine passed a cylinder compression check, and all spark plugs were serviced. One week before the accident, the Nos. 1 and 3 pushrod seals were replaced and leak-tested, and a new left magneto was installed. At that time, total engine operating time was 3,040 hours, with 847 hours since last major overhaul.