Accident Overview
On October 7, 2025, at approximately 1825 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA24 airplane, registration N7946P, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Vineyard, Utah. The pilot and a pilot-rated passenger were not injured. The flight was conducted as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight and Incident Sequence
The pilot reported departing South Valley Regional Airport (SVR) in West Jordan, Utah. While cruising at about 7,500 feet mean sea level, the pilot heard a knocking sound and observed engine shuddering. He applied carburetor heat and followed the emergency procedure checklist, but was unable to restore power. He then notified air traffic control of the engine problem. As power continued to degrade, the pilot turned toward Provo Airport (PVU) in Provo, Utah, and executed a forced landing on the east shoreline of Utah Lake.
Landing and Damage
The airplane touched down on the shoreline. During the rollout, it struck a stump, causing substantial damage to the left wing. The aircraft was subsequently recovered for further examination.
Investigation
The circumstances of the engine malfunction and the forced landing are under investigation. No further details regarding the cause of the engine noise or power loss have been released in the initial report.