Accident Overview
On October 28, 2025, about 1845 Pacific daylight time, a Piper Arrow PA-28R-200, registration N5107S, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing at Brackett Field Airport (POC) in La Verne, California. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
While approximately 33 miles west of Cable Airport (KCCB) in Upland, California, the pilot observed the oil pressure gauge decrease to the lower limit of the green arc. About 14 miles from CCB, the oil pressure dropped to zero, though all other engine indications remained normal. The pilot reduced power to 16–17 inches of manifold pressure and reviewed the checklist. With air traffic control (ATC) approval, he initiated a descent from 5,000 feet mean sea level (msl). To avoid elevated terrain to the north, the pilot adjusted the course slightly southward, maintaining proximity to POC as a precaution.
Descending through 3,000 feet msl, the pilot saw an explosion within the engine cowling. The engine became rough, with a minor power reduction, and the airplane began to shake. The pilot further reduced the throttle but could not restore power. After confirming the airplane's position, he completed the engine failure checklist, declared an emergency, and informed ATC of his intention to land at POC. Noticing smoke from the cowling, the pilot leaned the mixture, deactivated the fuel pump, and executed a power-off emergency landing. ATC provided weather conditions at POC, and the pilot switched to the tower frequency, updating the controller. He kept the flaps at 0° and retracted the landing gear during the base-to-final turn.
On final approach to runway 26L, the stall warning activated. The pilot stated that the airplane stalled in a level attitude about 15–20 feet above the ground, resulting in a hard landing on the runway. The airplane touched down on the northern edge of the displaced threshold, then slid to a stop sideways at the center of runway 26L.
Damage and Examination
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower fuselage. It was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. No other details were provided in the preliminary report.