Accident Overview
On July 26, 2025, at 1840 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28RT-201T airplane, registration N8423H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Brookings, South Dakota. The airline transport pilot and a passenger were uninjured. The aircraft was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a work use flight.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that during the departure climb from runway 12 at Brookings Regional Airport (BKX), the fuel flow gauge indication began fluctuating. In response, the pilot initiated a return to BKX for a precautionary landing and entered the left downwind for runway 17. Throughout this phase, the engine continued to operate normally with no abnormal sounds or other abnormal instrument indications.
Forced Landing and Damage
While completing the base to final turn for runway 17, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field, where the airplane impacted a fence and the terrain. The collision caused substantial damage to the left wing and both wing flaps. The airplane was retained for further examination.