Piper PA-28-140, N6754J: Accident occurred July 30, 2019 at H. L. Sonny Callahan Airport (KCQF), Fairhope, Alabama

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity: 
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Birmingham, Alabama

Aviation Accident Preliminary Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

https://registry.faa.gov/N6754J

Location: Fairhope, AL
Accident Number: CEN19LA265
Date & Time: 07/30/2019, 1530 CDT
Registration: N6754J
Aircraft: Piper PA28
Injuries:2 None 
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Instructional 

On July 30, 2019, about 1530 central daylight time, a Piper PA28-140 airplane, N6754J, conducted a forced landing after departing the H L Sonny Callahan Airport (CQF), Fairhope, Alabama. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured, and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by Lightning Aviation, LLC under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight at the time.

The flight instructor reported that he was preparing the student pilot for his private pilot check ride, and had finished preforming several touch-and-go landings. After the final landing, they planned to return to the Foley Municipal Airport (5R4); however, shortly after take-off, the engine started a severe vibration, and then lost power. The instructor then preformed a forced landing, in a cornfield, about two miles from the airport.

An examination of the airplane by the responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector, found damage to the left wing and engine mount. Further examination of the engine's No. 3 cylinder revealed a failed exhaust valve.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper
Registration: N6754J
Model/Series: PA28 140
Aircraft Category:Airplane 
Amateur Built: No
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None 

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KCQF
Observation Time: 1530 CDT
Distance from Accident Site:
Temperature/Dew Point: 30°C / 22°C
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 5 knots / , 200°
Lowest Ceiling:
Visibility:  10 Miles
Altimeter Setting: 30.02 inches Hg
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Departure Point: Fairhope, AL (CQF)
Destination: Foley, AL (5R4) 

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 2 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 30.514722, -87.871944 (est)