What happened
On October 26, 2025, at approximately 9:18 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-46-310P, registration N46CR, was involved in an accident near El Paso, Texas. The aircraft was being operated as a private flight under 14 CFR Part 91.
While climbing to the enroute cruise altitude, the pilot reported hearing a loud bang from the engine, which was immediately followed by a low oil pressure warning and decreasing temperature readings. The pilot declared an emergency, requested vectors to the nearest airport, and executed the engine failure emergency checklist. After evaluating various landing sites, the pilot selected a north-south dirt road for the emergency landing.
The aircraft touched down approximately 500 feet before a steep incline in the road. During the landing roll, the pilot applied heavy braking until a three-foot hole was identified in the road. The pilot then released the brakes and applied full aft elevator. As the aircraft passed through the hole, all three landing gear units separated from the plane. The impact caused substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. Following the stop, the pilot shut down the electrical systems and evacuated the occupants through the emergency exit, noting that the main door was obstructed by a tree and brush.
There were no injuries to the pilot or the two passengers.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft identified a hole in the top of the crankcase near the number two cylinder. Additionally, the magneto located above the hole had been dislodged from its mounting point. The oil on the dipstick appeared clean. The aircraft was retained for further analysis.