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March 6, 2025 · Piper PA-28-140 · N54479

Pearland, TX

Overview

Report Status
Factual report
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 6, 2025
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Location
Pearland, TX
Aircraft
Piper PA-28-140 (1973)
Tail Number
N54479
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN25LA111

On March 6, 2025, about 1145 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N54479, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pearland, Texas. One pilot sustained minor injuries, and the other pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed the Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Pearland, Texas, and was destined for La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The left-seat pilot assumed the duties of pilot flying (PF) for the take-off from LVJ. The pilot monitoring (PM), seated in the right seat, stated that he noticed the tachometer was reading about 2,350 rpm during the takeoff roll from runway 14, which he noted was lower than normal. The PM directed the PF to increase the airplane’s airspeed before rotation. The PM stated that the airplane rotated about 65-67 mph, the engine instruments were “green,” and the engine sounded normal. About 200 ft above ground level, both pilots noticed that the engine rpm had decreased to about 2,200. The PM told the PF to pitch for 85 mph for the airplane’s “best climb.” The vertical speed indicator indicated a 100 foot-per-minute climb but then settled to level flight. The PM took over the PF duties. He pitched the airplane to achieve “best glide” and planned to conduct a forced landing to a field about 1 mile from the departure end of runway 14. The engine continued operating with partial power during the forced landing. The airplane impacted a wood pile and came to rest along a dirt embankment. A post-impact fire ensued and both pilots were able to egress using the main door. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Before the flight, the airplane was filled with 47 gallons of 87-octane ethanol-free automotive fuel. The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Full Narrative

On March 6, 2025, about 1145 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N54479, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pearland, Texas. One pilot sustained minor injuries, and the other pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that he departed the Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Pearland, Texas, and was destined for La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The left-seat pilot assumed the duties of pilot flying (PF) for the take-off from LVJ. The pilot monitoring (PM), seated in the right seat, stated that he noticed the tachometer was reading about 2,350 rpm during the takeoff roll from runway 14, which he noted was lower than normal. The PM directed the PF to increase the airplane’s airspeed before rotation. The PM stated that the airplane rotated about 65-67 mph, the engine instruments were “green,” and the engine sounded normal. About 200 ft above ground level, both pilots noticed that the engine rpm had decreased to about 2,200. The PM told the PF to pitch for 85 mph for the airplane’s “best climb.” The vertical speed indicator indicated a 100 foot-per-minute climb but then settled to level flight. The PM took over the PF duties. He pitched the airplane to achieve “best glide” and planned to conduct a forced landing to a field about 1 mile from the departure end of runway 14. The engine continued operating with partial power during the forced landing. The airplane impacted a wood pile and came to rest along a dirt embankment. A post-impact fire ensued and both pilots were able to egress using the main door. The airplane sustained substantial damage. Before the flight, the airplane was filled with 47 gallons of 87-octane ethanol-free automotive fuel. The airplane was recovered for further examination.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:45 CST
Nearest AirportPearland Rgnl (2nm SSE)
Runway14/3
Runway Length4313 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftPiper PA-28-140
Tail NumberN54479
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 1 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured1
Total2

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 11 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 34 F
Altimeter30.14 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data