Accident Overview
On October 2, 2020, at approximately 1512 central daylight time, a Piper PA-46-500TP (registration N62ZM) was substantially damaged during an accident near Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. The flight was operated as a personal flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, shortly after takeoff from runway 32 at Lake Elmo Airport (21D) and following the retraction of the landing gear, he noticed a "hiccup" in engine power. He immediately initiated a turn back toward the airport. During the turn, all engine power was lost, and the pilot executed a forced landing into a field of standing corn. The airplane impacted the terrain, bounced, and came to rest upright in the corn approximately half a mile northwest of the departure end of runway 32.
Damage and Fire
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact and a post-crash fire. The aircraft was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine.
Probable Cause
The official probable cause of the accident was a total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.