What happened
On September 2, 2024, at approximately 15:30 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N32435, was involved in an accident near East Troy Municipal Airport (57C) in East Troy, Wisconsin. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal use.
Prior to the accident, the pilot performed all required pre-flight and pre-takeoff checks without finding any deficiencies. During an earlier period of flight practice, the pilot switched the fuel selector to the right tank and noted a 1 psi variation in fuel pressure, though the reading remained within the normal operating range of 0.5 to 8 psi. After returning to the airport and performing a full-stop landing on runway 8, the pilot prepared for a second takeoff.
During the subsequent takeoff, the pilot observed the fuel pressure dropping. Because there was insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff, the pilot continued the climb. As the aircraft ascended, the engine began surging and the fuel pressure fluctuated between 0 and 4 psi. The pilot leveled the aircraft and activated the auxiliary electric fuel pump, but was unable to maintain altitude. The pilot then selected a cornfield for an emergency landing. The pilot was not injured, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, fuselage, and both wings.