Accident Overview
On September 2, 2024, at approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane (registration N32435) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near the East Troy Municipal Airport (57C) in East Troy, Wisconsin. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pilot Actions and Preflight Checks
The pilot reported that prior to the accident flight, he performed pre-flight and pre-takeoff checks using the checklists in the airplane owner’s handbook and noted no deficiencies. He stated that he took off using the left fuel tank and proceeded east of the airport to practice maneuvers to familiarize himself with the airplane. During this time, he switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank. He reported noticing small changes in fuel pressure readings, about 1 psi variation, but was not concerned because the readings remained within the normal operating range of 0.5 to 8 psi.
Return and Second Takeoff
After about an hour of flight, the pilot returned to 57C and performed a full-stop landing on runway 8. After taxiing back for another takeoff, he checked all engine gauges, including fuel pressure with and without the auxiliary electric pump activated. He noted that the fuel pressure was about 1 psi lower with the auxiliary pump turned off but still within the normal operating range. He performed the pre-takeoff checks and switched back to the left (fullest) fuel tank, then proceeded to take off.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
During the initial climb, the pilot noticed that the fuel pressure reading was dropping, but there was insufficient runway remaining to abort the takeoff. As the climb continued, fuel pressure varied between 0 and 4 psi and the engine began surging. The pilot leveled the airplane and verified that the auxiliary electric fuel pump was on. Unable to maintain altitude, he selected a corn field and landed the airplane.
Damage Details
The airplane incurred substantial damage to both wings, the fuselage, and the engine mount.
No Injuries
The pilot was not injured in the accident.