Pilot Maneuvered The Airplane And Initiated A Gear Up Landing To An Open Field Adjacent To Runway 4

Location: Clovis, NM Accident Number: WPR23LA002
Date & Time: October 2, 2022, 16:00 Local Registration: N987PS
Aircraft: Piper PA 46-350P Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 2, 2022, about 1600 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P, N987PS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Clovis, New Mexico. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that a crosswind blew the airplane off course while on a practice Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach to runway 4 at Clovis Regional Airport (CVN). In response, he aborted the approach, applied full engine power, retracted the landing gear and flaps; however, the airplane did not gain the expected altitude or airspeed. The pilot subsequently felt the airplane buffet and lowered the nose. The pilot maneuvered the airplane and initiated a gear up landing to an open field adjacent to runway 4. During the landing sequence, the right horizontal stabilizer impacted an airport sign, and the airplane came to rest upright. A postaccident fire ensued.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage undercarriage, right horizontal stabilizer, and the right elevator were substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov