Introduction
On July 9, 2017, at approximately 12:19 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 (Warrior) single-engine aircraft was involved in an accident near Schärding Suben, Austria. The aircraft, operated by a private owner and registered in Germany, sustained damage during a forced landing in a cornfield. The pilot and the sole passenger were not harmed.
Flight History
The flight originated from Pinnow (EDBP) with a fuel stop at Stendal (EDOV) before continuing to Suben (LOLS). The leg from Pinnow to Stendal lasted 38 minutes and was uneventful. At Stendal, 50 liters of AVGAS were added. A visual inspection by the pilot indicated approximately 65 liters of fuel remained in the wing tanks: about 30 liters of AVGAS 100LL in the left tank and about 35 liters of MOGAS in the right tank. The planned flight duration from Stendal to Suben was 2 hours 35 minutes. The flight proceeded without incident until the approach to Suben. According to GPS data, a slight tailwind of 3–5 knots was present, allowing a reduced power setting during cruise. Power was further reduced during descent to maintain airspeed. The total flight time from Stendal to the forced landing was recorded as 2 hours 30 minutes.
Accident Sequence
Upon entering the traffic pattern for Suben, the pilot reported reaching pattern altitude while turning onto the right downwind leg for runway 32. As he advanced the throttle to maintain altitude in the pattern, the engine stopped. The pilot immediately notified the tower of the engine failure. He first directed the aircraft toward runway 14, the shortest path, and reduced speed to best glide. While maneuvering, he observed power lines and veered left toward a harvested field. Concurrently, he closed the fuel shutoff valve. With an altitude of approximately 700 feet above ground level, a landing on the runway or a mowed field was not possible. The pilot chose to land in a cornfield adjacent to a stubble field. Before touchdown, he raised the nose to avoid a direct impact with the approximately 2-meter-tall corn plants. After the aircraft came to rest, he radioed the tower, reporting no injuries and providing the wreckage location.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-28-151 built in 1973, with a total operating time of 3477 hours and 26 minutes and 4886 landings. It was privately owned and equipped with a valid certificate of airworthiness and other required documentation. The pilot held a Private Pilot License (PPL(A)) with a Single Engine Piston (land) rating and a valid Class 2 medical certificate. His total flight experience was 247 hours 27 minutes, including 17 hours 10 minutes in the previous 90 days. He was the only crew member; a passenger was also on board.
Damage and Injuries
The aircraft sustained structural damage in the forced landing. No other property damage occurred. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Weight and Balance
At the time of the accident, the aircraft's mass and center of gravity were within the limits specified in the Pilot's Operating Handbook.