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NTSB Report

March 30, 2023 · Piper PA32 260 · N56793

Lincoln, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 30, 2023
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Lincoln, IL
Aircraft
Piper PA32 260 (1974)
Tail Number
N56793
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN23LA145

The pilot and the flight instructor departed for the local area flight to conduct instrument training. After completion of the instrument training, the pilot, acting as the pilot-in-command, performed takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach. While on the final approach, the airplane sustained a total loss of engine power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a parking lot. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. While the airplane was likely operating in an area conducive to the formation of carburetor icing (for glide and cruise power) and serious carburetor icing (for glide power), the pilot reported he had previously activated the carburetor heat. The pilot reported that all four fuel tanks were full before the flight. Both wing fuel tanks were breached from the accident sequence, no fuel was able to be recovered, and the fuel amount onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. However, it could not be determined if the selector was possibly moved into this position while in flight or if the selector was possibly moved into this position after the impact. The reason for the total loss of engine power could not be determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power during an approach for landing for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On March 29, 2023, about 1915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-260 airplane, N56793, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Lincoln, Illinois. The private pilot and the flight instructor sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. Before the local area flight, the pilot “completely filled” all four fuel tanks with 100 low lead fuel. The purpose of the flight was to conduct instrument flight training in visual meteorological conditions with the flight instructor. A review of automatic dependent surveillance - broadcast data showed that the airplane departed from the Logan County Airport (AAA), Lincoln, Illinois, about 1823. The airplane departed to the east of the airport, where it performed the training. Once the training was completed, the airplane flew back to the airport, where the private pilot, now acting as the pilot-in-command, performed takeoffs and landings in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that he activated the carburetor heat before turning onto final approach for runway 3. While on final approach, the pilot attempted to add power, and the engine did not respond. The airplane continued to descend, and the pilot had no further recollection after that point. The flight instructor, who was a passenger at the time, confirmed the total loss of engine power and reported that the pilot performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted a church parking lot and came to rest upright against a garden structure. The airplane came to rest about 1/2 mile to the southwest of the approach end for runway 3. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. Both wing fuel tanks were breached from the accident sequence, no fuel was able to be recovered, and the fuel amount onboard at the time of the accident could not be determined. At the accident site, the fuel tank selector was found positioned between the left tip tank and the left main tank positions. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. A review of meteorological data showed that the airplane was likely operating in an area conducive to the formation of carburetor icing (for glide and cruise power) and serious carburetor icing (for glide power).

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:15 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA32 260
Tail NumberN56793
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming Engines · O-540-E3B5 · Reciprocating · 250
Seats6

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind30° @ 5 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 F / 28 F
Altimeter30.23 inHg
Observation Time19:15
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data