Accident Overview
On August 28, 2025, at approximately 1550 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-24-250 airplane, registration N7412P, was substantially damaged when it crashed in a field near Gregory, Michigan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant at the time, sustained serious injuries. The aircraft was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The flight originated earlier at the Toledo Suburban Airport (DUH) in Lambertville, Michigan, with the pilot and the airplane owner on board. They flew uneventfully to Charlevoix Municipal Airport (CVX) in Charlevoix, Michigan, where the owner deplaned. The pilot then re-boarded the aircraft alone for the return trip to DUH.
The return flight was also without incident until approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes into the journey. At that point, the engine suddenly ceased to produce power. The pilot, who was in contact with air traffic control (ATC), reported the power loss. The controller provided options for nearby airports, and the pilot attempted to land at Richmond Field Airport (69G), near Gregory.
Accident Sequence
The airplane ultimately came to rest in a field just south of Richmond Field Airport. A post-impact fire ensued, which consumed the cabin portion of the aircraft.
Post-Accident Engine Examination
An examination of the engine after the accident revealed extensive fire damage. Initially, the engine could not be rotated. However, after the fire-damaged accessories and the accessory housing on the back of the engine were removed, the remainder of the engine was free to rotate. Thumb compression was verified on all cylinders, and valve continuity was confirmed. All accessory case gears were intact.
During the examination, an unknown quantity of oil drained from a broken crankcase. Examination of the accessory case components showed that the vacuum pump drive shaft, the tachometer drive shaft, and the oil pump drive shaft were seized in their bores. Disassembly of these components did not reveal any anomalies; the seizures were consistent with fire damage. The rear-mounted magnetos were extensively damaged by the post-impact fire and could not be tested.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot suffered serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged, with the cabin destroyed by fire.