Accident Details
On November 23, 2025, at about 2137 central standard time, a Piper PA-28R-201 airplane, registration N47700, was substantially damaged when it struck terrain in an open cow pasture near Pittsfield, Illinois. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, and the two passengers sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Flight History and Communications
The pilot had flown four legs that day. The accident occurred during the fourth leg from Anniston Regional Airport (ANB), Anniston, Alabama, to Pittsfield Penstone Municipal Airport (PPQ), Pittsfield, Illinois. Earlier legs included flights between Valkaria Airport (X59), Florida, and Tampa Executive Airport (VDF). The pilot filed an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan from ANB to Quincy Regional Airport (UIN) with an alternate of Southeast Iowa Regional Airport (BRL).
After departing ANB, the pilot climbed to 8,000 ft mean sea level (msl). While en route, the pilot contacted Kansas City Center and discussed weather at UIN, noting fog and low visibility. The pilot initially considered diverting to PPQ but then decided to continue to UIN for the RNAV Runway 22 approach. After executing a missed approach at UIN, the pilot diverted to PPQ. During the diversion, the pilot reported having “engine troubles” and later stated it was a “fuel issue,” indicating a switch to the other fuel tank. The pilot requested the RNAV Runway 13 approach at PPQ. Communications with the controller continued as the pilot attempted to locate the airport, reporting fog in the area. The pilot was cleared for the RNAV Runway 13 approach and later reported having the airport in sight, but subsequent track data showed the airplane did not align with the runway.
Weather and Fuel Considerations
At 2055, PPQ reported wind 190° at 3 knots, 5 miles visibility, and clear sky. By 2115, visibility had decreased to 3 miles with clear sky. At 2135, conditions had deteriorated to an overcast ceiling at 300 ft agl and 0.75-mile visibility. Nearby airports reported better conditions: Mount Sterling Municipal Airport (I63) and Jacksonville Municipal Airport (IJX) reported clear skies and 10-mile visibility.
After landing at ANB, the pilot initially requested 40 gallons of fuel but amended to 36 gallons (18 per wing). The fueling employee noted that after adding 18 gallons per wing, the fuel level in each tank was below the 25-gallon indicator tab. Engine monitor data showed the flight consumed about 46 gallons over 4 hours 55 minutes, with an average rate of 9.3 gph. No loss of engine power was indicated at the end of the recorded data.
Wreckage and Engine Examination
Postaccident examination of the wreckage did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure. Flight control continuity was confirmed. The landing gear was down, and flaps were extended to 25°. The fuel selector was found in the right tank position, and the electric fuel pump was on. About 0.5 gallon of fuel was drained from the right wing tank, and 1.3 pints from the left. The engine exhibited continuity, compression, and spark. The throttle was at full power, and the mixture arm was halfway between rich and idle cutoff. The engine-driven fuel pump contained fuel, but the outlet line to the fuel injection servo had no fuel. The propeller damage was consistent with rotation under power. The airplane crashed about 2 nm north of runway 13 at PPQ.