What happened
On August 24, 2025, at approximately 0820 Alaska daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, registration N7771N, was involved in an accident near Chicken, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for personal flight.
Following a low pass intended to inspect the gravel runway at Chicken Airport, the pilot began a climb-out. During this phase of flight, the engine experienced a vibration and a partial loss of power. The aircraft subsequently struck terrain roughly half a mile northwest of the airfield. The impact caused substantial damage to the airplane's wings, fuselage, and empennage.
There were 2 minor injuries reported among the occupants; the pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries, while a second passenger was not injured.