Accident Overview
On July 20, 2025, about 0800 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-46-500TP Meridian airplane, registration N819MA, was substantially damaged when it impacted a corn field in Lititz, Pennsylvania. The pilot, who was the sole person on board, sustained fatal injuries. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Preflight and Departure
Prior to the accident flight, line service personnel towed the airplane from its hangar and topped off the fuel tanks with 74 gallons of Jet A and Prist fuel additive, for a total of approximately 170 gallons. Airport surveillance video later showed the instrument-rated private pilot arriving at the airplane, performing a brief preflight inspection, then entering and closing the main cabin door.
The engine was started, and preliminary air traffic control (ATC) data indicated the pilot requested an instrument flight rules (IFR) clearance from Lancaster Regional Airport (LNS) to State College Regional Airport (UNV). The pilot correctly read back the clearance and was cleared to taxi to the runway.
At the hold-short line, the tower controller instructed the pilot to hold short while waiting for the IFR release. Three minutes later, the release was received, and the pilot was cleared for takeoff with a left turn on course. The pilot did not read back this instruction, and surveillance video showed him enter the runway and begin the takeoff roll.
Climb and Impact
Preliminary Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the airplane reached rotation speed and lifted off. As it cleared the departure end of the runway, at an altitude of 650 ft mean sea level and a ground speed of 136 knots, the airplane suddenly pitched down to a descent rate of -1600 feet per minute. Approximately 9 seconds later, the airplane struck a corn field about 1/4 mile from the runway end. The estimated heading at impact was 070° with a descent angle of about 39° and the left wing slightly down. The flight time from wheels leaving the runway to impact was approximately 20 seconds. Nineteen seconds after takeoff, the control tower attempted multiple times to establish communication with the pilot without success.
Wreckage and Site Conditions
The airplane came to rest 164 ft beyond the initial impact point. The airframe was compressed due to impact forces. The engine and propeller created an impact crater measuring 11 ft long, 6 ft wide, and 20 inches deep. The leading edges of the wings left impression marks in the soil at the base of angle-cut corn stalks, 3-6 inches deep along the entire wingspan. Surrounding corn throughout the debris field showed evidence of fuel blight, and a strong odor of jet fuel was present at the accident site.
All flight surfaces were accounted for at the site. The left wing, wing flap, and left aileron were fragmented into multiple sections. The left wing separated from the fuselage at the wing root and came to rest on top of the engine. The right wing remained attached to the airframe, with its leading edge found 20 ft behind the main wreckage. The tail section was intact, though the left horizontal spar was broken but still attached. The vertical stabilizer remained attached and upright with leading edge damage.
The propeller, propeller shaft, and forward reduction gear box separated from the engine. The propeller shaft detached from the propeller and was found in the corn several feet beyond the propeller. The propeller itself was located 60 ft forward and to the right of the impact crater, exhibiting rotational damage including the separation of one of its four blades, with two blades fractured at their midpoint.
Weather and Pilot Information
The recorded weather at LNS at 0753 included wind from 200° at 3 knots, 5 miles visibility, broken clouds at 400 ft and 900 ft above ground level, mist, temperature 25°C, dew point 24°C, and an altimeter setting of 30.03 inches of mercury.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with ratings for airplane single-engine land and instrument airplane. His most recent FAA third-class medical certificate was issued on September 19, 2024. At that time, he reported approximately 2,350 total flight hours.
Aircraft Information
FAA and airplane maintenance records show the accident airplane was manufactured in 2015. Its most recent annual inspection was completed on March 14, 2025, at which time the airplane had accumulated approximately 1,336 total hours of operation.
The wreckage was retained for further examination.