Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot took off and turned onto the crosswind leg. At an altitude of 500 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot turned towards an open field and managed to restart the engine, but it lost power again. The pilot realized he would be unable to land in his chosen field. The airplane 'touched down hard and bounced' over an embankment. The landing gear was torn off and the airplane skidded on its fuselage before colliding with railroad tracks. The engine and accessories were later examined. No discrepancies were found.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 6, 1995, approximately 1143 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N7415W, was destroyed during a forced landing at Hudson, Colorado. The private pilot received minor injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight. The following is based on the pilot/operator report. The pilot took off and turned onto the crosswind leg. At an altitude of 500 feet, the engine lost power. The pilot turned towards an open field and managed to restart the engine, but it lost power again. The pilot realized he would be unable to land in his chosen field. The airplane "touched down hard and bounced" over an embankment. The landing gear was torn off and the airplane skidded on its fuselage before colliding with railroad tracks. The engine and accessories were later examined. No discrepancies were found. -