What happened
On August 18, 2023, at approximately 1750 EDT, a Piper PA-32-300, registration N405WB, was conducting a Part 135 on-demand charter flight from Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY) to Montauk Airport (MTP). While cruising at 4,500 feet MSL, the engine began running rough for several seconds before experiencing a sudden loss of power.
The pilot attempted to regain engine power but was unsuccessful. Having recently passed over Elizabeth Field Airport (0B8), the pilot diverted toward the field and initiated a spiraling descent. While flying the downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 30 at 1,000 feet MSL, the pilot turned to the base leg. Due to a misjudgment of altitude and wind conditions, the aircraft was unable to reach the runway, resulting in a forced landing on a beach area covered in dense brush. The pilot and two passengers were not injured.
The investigation
An inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector found substantial damage to the wings and airframe, including a collapsed left landing gear and airframe buckling.
Mechanical examinations of the engine and systems included the following findings:
- All three propeller blades were slightly bent aft near the midspan.
- The throttle, propeller, and mixture controls functioned correctly, moving all associated cables and linkages.
- Compression and valvetrain continuity were confirmed for each cylinder.
- Both magnetos were manually spun, showing normal firing and spark at all leads; all 12 spark plugs were in good condition.
- The fuel system, including injectors and the fuel flow manifold, showed no anomalies. Fuel was present and consistent with 100LL aviation fuel.
- The engine-driven fuel pump rotated freely, though some wear was noted on the spline gear teeth.
- The induction system was normal, and the engine contained 9 quarts of oil. The oil filter showed no anomalies.
No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were identified that would have prevented normal operation.