Accident Summary
On August 16, 2025, at about 1737 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28-181, registration N8150J, was substantially damaged in an accident near San Diego, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, he and a passenger had planned a local personal flight and departed Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport (MYF), San Diego, California, with full fuel. The airplane flew north along the coastline. About 15 minutes into the flight, the pilot switched fuel tanks. He did not recall whether he clearly felt the valve’s position detents when adjusting the fuel tank selector valve handle.
Several minutes after switching fuel tanks, while at an altitude of 1,700 ft mean sea level, the engine began to sputter and lost partial power. The pilot declared an emergency with Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control and troubleshot the loss of engine power by turning the fuel pump on, switching fuel tanks, and checking the ignition; however, the engine continued to sputter.
The pilot initiated a forced landing to the southbound lanes of Interstate 805. During the landing roll, the left wing struck a highway sign post, and the airplane came to rest upright against the center highway divider.
Damage
The left wing, fuselage, and horizontal stabilator sustained substantial damage. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.