Pilot Performed A Forced Landing To A School Parking Lot

Location: Ocean Springs, MS Accident Number: CEN23LA262
Date & Time: June 23, 2023, 07:30 Local Registration: N4307P
Aircraft: Piper PA23 Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On June 23, 2023, about 0730 central daylight time, a Piper PA-23-160 airplane, N4307P, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The commercial pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot was planning on flying the airplane to the Transylvania Community Airport (3NR3), Brevard, North Carolina, to have an annual inspection performed. Prior to the departure at the Ocean Springs Airport (5R2), Ocean Springs, Mississippi, the pilot fueled the airplane for the cross-country flight. Shortly after takeoff from runway 36, the left engine sustained a partial loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a school parking lot, just to the northwest of runway 36. The airplane impacted the parking lot, traveled through a fence, and came to rest nose down on an athletic field on the school property. The pilot was able to egress from the airplane without further incident.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. The airplane was recovered from the accident site and was transported to a secure location for further examination. During the recovery, about 45 gallons of fuel was recovered from the airplane. The airplane was equipped with two Lycoming O-320 reciprocating engines, and two Hartzell HC-C2YL-2CUF/FC7663-4 aluminum propellers.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov