What happened
On December 24, 2025, at approximately 12:30 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-260, registration N2785Q, was involved in an accident near Rio Linda, California. The aircraft departed from runway 17 at Rio Linda Airport (L36) at approximately 12:28. The flight was being operated under 14 CFR Part 91 for the purpose of pilot proficiency, as the aircraft had not flown since August.
Witnesses located roughly one-half mile south of the airport observed the aircraft flying at a low altitude while traveling southbound. One witness noted the absence of engine sound and believed the aircraft was attempting to land in a field. The aircraft subsequently came to rest in a grass field approximately 2,200 feet south-southwest of the departure end of runway 17.
The impact began with a 25-foot-long ground disruption containing paint chips and composite fragments. The debris field continued on a heading of approximately 240 degrees. During the accident, the right wing detached at the wing root along with the nose gear assembly and the right flap. The left wing also separated at the root and came to rest inverted. The main fuselage remained generally intact and upright.
Investigation of the wreckage revealed that the right wing tank and both wingtip fuel tanks were breached and empty, while the left wing tank remained more than half full. The cabin sustained minimal damage. The engine remained attached to the firewall, though it was bent downward and slightly to the right. Both propeller blades were found attached to the hub and bent approximately 45 degrees aft.
The accident resulted in 1 fatal injury and 1 serious injury.