Accident Details
On November 28, 2023, at about 1031 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N8274H) was substantially damaged during an accident near Minneapolis, Minnesota. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported minor injuries, and the driver of a vehicle struck during the landing also received minor injuries.
Flight History
The pilot departed from Crystal Airport (MIC) near Minneapolis at approximately 0710 with full fuel (48 gallons). He flew to Watertown Regional Airport (ATY) in South Dakota, a flight that lasted about 2 hours due to headwinds. After a touch-and-go landing at ATY, he returned toward MIC, which took about 1 hour 15 minutes thanks to a tailwind. Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the total flight time was 3 hours and 26 minutes. The pilot reported switching the selected fuel tank every 30 minutes using a fuel timer.
Engine Failure
As the pilot approached MIC, he contacted the tower and was instructed to sequence for landing on runway 14. While turning onto a right base for that runway, the engine lost partial power momentarily. The pilot pushed the throttle forward and power was restored. However, during the turn to final approach, the engine lost all power. The pilot noted that between the momentary power loss and the complete loss, the engine had operated for 30 seconds to one minute.
Forced Landing
The pilot notified the tower of the engine problem and began emergency procedures: switching fuel tanks, cycling the magnetos, checking the primer was locked, confirming the throttle was full forward and mixture rich, turning on the fuel pump, and applying carburetor heat. These steps did not restore power. He executed a forced landing onto a road. During the landing, the aircraft struck a powerline and a vehicle, causing substantial damage to the wing and fuselage.
Postaccident Examination
Shortly after the accident, examination revealed that the left fuel tank was not compromised, but the tank drain was leaking fuel. The left fuel tank contained no usable fuel, and the leakage rate from its drain was not determined. The o-ring seal in the left fuel tank drain was deformed and gouged. The right fuel tank held an undetermined amount of usable fuel. No other anomalies that would have prevented normal engine operation were found. The pilot reported that the airplane was operating on the right fuel tank when the power losses occurred, and he switched to the left tank during troubleshooting. He noted the engine stopped windmilling and the propeller halted. He attempted to restart by engaging the starter once, but the propeller turned then stopped again, after which he focused on the forced landing.