Pilot Stated That The Airplane Began To Descend Due To Insufficient Engine Power

Location: Marana, AZ Accident Number: WPR25LA008
Date & Time: October 8, 2024, 07:45 Local Registration: N9928P
Aircraft: Piper PA-36-285 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 137: Agricultural

On October 8, 2024, about 0745 mountain standard time, a Piper PA-36-285, N9928P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Marana, Arizona. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 137 aerial application flight.

According to the pilot, he had been applying defoliant to a cotton field and completed a spray run. He climbed to approximately 120 ft above ground level (agl), and the airplane would not climb further. The pilot stated that the airplane began to descend due to insufficient engine power. The airplane subsequently impacted multiple residential structures and came to rest in a nose low attitude between two houses.

A witness located approximately ½ mile southeast of the accident site, reported that he observed the accident airplane flying toward his yard when it “veered hard left at a knife edge bank angle”, then quickly leveled off. The airplane appeared to lose altitude and then descended out of view.

Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The landing gear and propeller assembly were found separated from the main wreckage.

The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov