Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Pathfinder, N8580N: Accident occurred October 23, 2022 near Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (KSPA), South Carolina

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed.

Investigator In Charge (IIC): Gerhardt, Adam

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

Additional Participating Entity:

James Jackson; Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Columbia, South Carolina 

A1 Aviation LLC

https://registry.faa.gov/N8580N

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Accident Number: ERA23LA037

Date and Time: October 23, 2022, 17:00 Local

Registration: N8580N

Aircraft: Piper PA-28-235 

Injuries: 4 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 23, 2022, about 1700 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA28-235 airplane, N8580N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport (SPA), Spartanburg, South Carolina. The private pilot and three passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated by the pilot as a personal flight conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported that the preflight inspection, run-up, and takeoff were routine. On climb out, about 600 ft above ground, he heard a “boom”, the engine rpm dropped to zero, and the engine lost all power. He immediately pitched for best glide airspeed and completed a forced landing on a city street. During the rollout, the pilot turned into an auto parts store, evacuated the passengers and himself, and deployed a fire extinguisher toward the engine and cowling due to smoke emanating from that area. The airplane struck power lines during the landing approach, which resulted in substantial damage to the rudder.

A Federal Aviation Administration Inspector performed a visual examination of the engine. He observed evidence of smoke and fire damage on the engine and cowling area. There were no obvious signs of a catastrophic engine failure.

The airplane was powered by a Lycoming O-540-B4B5, 235-horsepower, reciprocating engine.

The most recent annual inspection was completed on February 15, 2022.

The airplane was retained for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Piper 

Registration: N8580N

Model/Series: PA-28-235 NO SERIES

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: 

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: VMC 

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: SPA,801 ft msl 

Observation Time: 16:55 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 1 Nautical Miles

Temperature/Dew Point: 22°C /0°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear 

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility: 10 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.15 inches Hg 

Type of Flight Plan Filed: None

Departure Point: Spartanburg, SC

Destination: Sylva, NC (24A)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 3 None

Aircraft Fire: Both in-flight and on-ground

Ground Injuries: N/A 

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 4 None 

Latitude, Longitude: 34.924826,-81.969373

SPARTANBURG, South Carolina (FOX Carolina) - Spartanburg Police said a small plane made an emergency landing on a road on Sunday evening that caused a few power outages.

Police said the landing happened near John B. White Boulevard, but no injuries were reported.

As of 6:13 p.m., all of the roads in the area are re-opened. 

According to Duke Energy, only 165 customers in the area are without power.

Police said traffic might be delayed near Kensington and John B. White Boulevard as well as Southport Road and John B. White Boulevard.

https://www.foxcarolina.com