What happened
On March 6, 2025, at approximately 11:45 CST, a Piper PA-28-140, registration N54479, was involved in an accident near Pearland, Texas. The flight was operating under Part 91 regulations as a personal flight, departing from Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) with a destination of La Porte Municipal Airport (T41).
During the takeoff roll from runway 14, the pilot monitoring observed that the tachometer was reading approximately 2,350 RPM, which was lower than normal. The pilot monitoring instructed the pilot flying to increase airspeed before rotation. The aircraft rotated at approximately 65-67 mph with engine instruments appearing normal. However, at approximately 200 feet above ground level, both pilots noted that the engine RPM had decreased to about 2,200 RPM. The pilot monitoring then assumed pilot flying duties, pitching the aircraft for a best glide speed to prepare for a forced landing in a field located roughly one mile from the end of the runway.
While the engine continued to operate with partial power, the aircraft impacted a wood pile and came to rest along a dirt embankment. A post-impact fire occurred, but both pilots were able to exit the aircraft through the main door. The accident resulted in one minor injury and the other pilot was not injured.