Accident Overview
On August 26, 2025, at 0831 eastern standard time, a Piper PA28-140, registration N1684J, was substantially damaged in an accident near Seneca, South Carolina. The sole occupant, a student pilot, received minor injuries. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.
Flight Details
The student pilot reported that the flight was a cross-country training mission to obtain a private pilot certificate. A preflight inspection was performed, and all systems appeared normal and functioning correctly. The aircraft was refueled with 25.2 gallons, bringing the estimated total fuel onboard to 42 gallons. The pilot calculated that approximately 7 gallons would be needed for the round trip.
Takeoff and climb from Jackson County Airport (JCA) in Jefferson, Georgia, were uneventful. The aircraft cruised at 5,500 ft mean sea level (msl). The descent was also uneventful. The pilot planned to enter the midfield downwind leg of the traffic pattern for landing on runway 25 at Oconee County Regional Airport (CEU) in Seneca, South Carolina. After entering the downwind leg, the pilot selected full flaps.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
At about 600 ft above ground level (agl), during the turn from downwind to base, the engine began misfiring and then shut off. The pilot adjusted pitch to maintain 80 miles per hour and aimed the airplane toward the runway. Troubleshooting attempts included switching fuel tanks, moving the mixture control to full rich, and cycling the throttle. At 100 ft agl, the pilot determined that gliding to the runway was unlikely and aimed for a nearby field.
Accident Sequence
Surveillance camera footage at 0831 showed a low-wing aircraft striking a utility pole before impacting a tree line. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the wreckage at the accident site and noted substantial damage to the wings, engine mounts, and fuselage.
Wreckage Examination
The wreckage was recovered and retained for further examination.