What happened
On January 18, 2026, at approximately 16:40 CST, a Piper PA28-140, registration N6711J, crashed near Holly Springs, Mississippi. The aircraft was being operated by FIRECREST LLC as a Part 91 instructional flight, carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot.
Prior to the accident, the aircraft had departed from Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport (M41) following several touch-and-go landings. The aircraft impacted terrain in a wooded area located approximately 693 feet east of the departure end of runway 18. The impact path involved striking numerous pine trees, with the first identified impact point being a pine tree roughly 185 feet south of the main wreckage.
A post-impact fire consumed a large portion of the airframe. The accident resulted in 2 fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the following mechanical details:
- Flight Controls: Flight control continuity was confirmed. The manual flap selector was found in the full 40-degree position. The stabilator trim cables were continuous, and the trim actuator rod was extended 1.6 inches, indicating a partial nose-up trim position.
- Engine: The Lycoming O-320-E3D engine remained attached to its mount. The propeller assembly was partially embedded in soft dirt, and while the blades were largely intact, they showed scratches consistent with striking branches at the site.
- Fuel and Fuel System: The fuel selector was set to the right tank and functioned normally during testing. The engine-driven fuel pump showed thermal damage and deformation. The carburetor float bowl contained no fuel or sediment.
- Engine Components: The spark plugs showed normal wear, though the lower plugs on cylinders 1 and 2 were oil-soaked. The engine passed compression and suction tests. The oil suction screen was found clear of debris.
- Exhaust and Intake: The Power Flow Systems Exhaust was free of blockages, and the intake pipes were clear of debris.
- Magnetos: Both magnetos were present but exhibited thermal damage; the left-hand magneto showed internal damage, and the right-hand magneto showed significant housing damage.