What happened
On November 24, 2025, at approximately 1427 EST, a Piper PA-24-180, registration N8328P, underwent a forced landing near South Brooksville, Florida. The flight began at Talladega Municipal Airport (ASN) in Alabama, with a stop at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL) in Georgia to pick up two passengers. The intended destination was Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL).
Approximately three hours into the flight toward Florida, the pilot noted a partial loss of engine power. The pilot attempted to restore power by switching fuel tanks and activating the electric fuel pump, which was initially successful. After notifying air traffic control, the engine subsequently suffered a total loss of power.
The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing in a field. Because the landing gear was retracted, the right wing and right stabilator struck a fence before the aircraft came to rest in a grassy area approximately 2 miles northwest of Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport (BKV). All three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—were not injured.
The investigation
Photographs from the scene provided by the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office showed substantial damage to the right stabilator. Observations at the scene indicated that no fuel was visible in the fuel tanks. The aircraft was retained for further examination.