Primary finding
Probable cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s). The lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing was a related factor.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
After takeoff, at 4,000 feet MSL, the airplane's engine 'started running rough.' The pilot contacted Little Rock approach control and reported that he was unable to maintain power, and was returning to Pine Bluff. He was not able to reach Pine Bluff and attempted to land on a farm maintained road leading to a rice field. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane, and it contacted the levee surrounding the rice field, which resulted in separation of the main landing gear. An engine run was performed, and an FAA inspector that attended the run reported that the engine, 'started easily and quickly, it ran smoothly from idle to max rpm in a satisfactory manner. There did not appear to be anything to cause a rough running engine.'
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 26, 1997 at 0627 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32-300 airplane, N38800, registered to and operated by a private owner, sustained substantial damage when it impacted a rice field levee during a forced landing. The commercial instrument rated pilot, the sole occupant, received minor injuries. The flight originated at Grider Field, Pine Bluff, Arkansas, at 0600 and was en route to Lexington, Mississippi, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 cross-country personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The pilot reported that after takeoff, at 4,000 feet MSL, the airplane's engine "started running rough." The pilot contacted Little Rock approach control and reported that he was unable to maintain power, and was returning to Pine Bluff. He was not able to make it back to Pine Bluff and attempted to land on a farm maintained road leading to a rice field. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane on the road, and it contacted the levee surrounding the rice field, which resulted in separation of the main landing gear. The airplane came to rest approximately 10 to 15 yards into the rice field. Both wings were damaged, the fuel cells were punctured, and one blade of the propeller was bent. An engine run was performed, and the FAA inspector that attended the run reported, that the engine "started easily and quickly, it ran smoothly from idle to max rpm in a satisfactory manner. There did not appear to be anything to cause a rough running engine." -