Accident Overview
On August 18, 2023, about 1750 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300, registration N405WB, was substantially damaged in an accident near Fishers Island, New York. The commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 on-demand charter flight.
Pilot's Account
According to the pilot, the flight departed Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts, en route to Montauk Airport (MTP), Montauk, New York, a distance of about 70 nautical miles along the southern coast of Connecticut. While cruising at 4,500 feet msl, approximately 40 minutes into the flight, the engine began running “rough” for several seconds and then suddenly lost power. The pilot's attempts to restore engine power were unsuccessful. The airplane had just passed over Elizabeth Field Airport (0B8) on Fishers Island, so the pilot diverted toward that airport. Over the east end of the airport, he performed a spiraling descent. After reaching 1,000 feet msl on the downwind leg for runway 30, he turned to base leg but misjudged altitude and winds, preventing the airplane from reaching the runway. The pilot executed a forced landing short of the runway on the edge of a beach covered with dense brush.
Postaccident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found substantial damage to the airframe and wings, with the left landing gear collapsed and buckling of the airframe. All three propeller blades were bent slightly aft about the midspan point. The throttle, propeller, and mixture controls actuated freely, moving cables and linkages to the engine. Compression and valvetrain continuity were confirmed on each cylinder, with corresponding compression achieved. Both magnetos were manually spun and produced normal firing with spark at all leads. All 12 spark plugs were in good condition. The fuel system, including injectors, fuel flow manifold, and selector, showed no anomalies. Fuel present had the consistency and smell of 100 low-lead aviation fuel. The engine-driven fuel pump rotated freely with no binding, though some wear was noted on the spline gear teeth and drive splines. The induction system was normal, and the engine was well lubricated with 9 quarts of oil; the oil filter revealed no anomalies.
Findings
Examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.