He Noticed A “Hiccup” In The Engine Power And Immediately Started A Turn Back

Location: Lake Elmo, MN Accident Number: CEN21LA004
Date & Time: October 2, 2020, 15:12 Local Registration: N62ZM
Aircraft: PIPER PA46 Injuries: 2 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On October 2, 2020, about 1512 central daylight time (CDT), a Piper PA-46-500TP, N62ZM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The airline transport pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that shortly after takeoff from runway 32 at the Lake Elmo airport (21D) and following landing gear retraction, he noticed a “hiccup” in the engine power and immediately started a turn back towards the airport. During the turn, all engine power was lost and the pilot executed a forced landing into a field of standing corn.

The airplane impacted the terrain, bounced, and came to rest upright in the corn about ½ mile northwest of the departure end of runway 32. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing as a result of the impact and post-crash fire.

The airplane was equipped with a Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine. A detailed wreckage and engine examination is pending.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov