There Was A Loud Bang And Severe Engine Vibration

Location: Show Low, AZ Accident Number: WPR21LA020
Date & Time: October 21, 2020, 11:17 Local Registration: N7405W
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-180 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under:

On October 21, 2020, about 1117 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-28-180 airplane, N7405W, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Show Low, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he was in cruise flight about 8,000 ft above ground level, when there was a loud bang and severe engine vibration. The engine rpm dropped to about 1,700, after which he selected the mixture full rich, fuel pump on, and switched fuel tanks, however, the engine’s rpm maintained only about 1,600 to 1,700 rpm. He declared an emergency and informed Air Traffic Control that he was going make a forced landing on a highway. Subsequently, during the landing roll, the airplane’s right wing struck a barbwire fence.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for future examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov