What happened
On November 16, 2025, at approximately 0845 EST, a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N327HP, was involved in an accident near Woodfin Mill, Georgia. The aircraft was being operated by Outter Banks Air Charters as a Part 91 positioning flight.
The pilot reported that the preflight, engine start, and initial climb were normal, with approximately 100 gallons of fuel and 8.5 quarts of oil on board. Roughly 10 minutes into the flight, the engine began surging, although all engine gauges remained within normal operating ranges. In response to the surge, the pilot began a turn back toward the departure airport. Shortly thereafter, the engine began losing power.
Despite the pilot performing troubleshooting steps and executing emergency checklist items, the engine power continued to deteriorate. The pilot declared an emergency and attempted to reach a nearby private grass strip for a forced landing. However, during the approach, the engine lost all remaining power. While attempting to land in a farm pasture surrounded by trees and powerlines, the aircraft's left wing struck a powerline during short final. The aircraft landed heavily, causing the nose landing gear to shear off and the main gear to collapse before the plane skidded to a stop. The impact caused substantial damage to the airframe, including a broken left wing spar and a significantly displaced engine compartment.
The pilot sustained 1 minor injury and was not killed in the accident.