Stopp(ed) To Let The Instructor Out So The Student Pilot Could Attempt Three Solo Take-Off And Landings

Location: Easton, MD Accident Number: ERA21LA267
Date & Time: June 24, 2021, 11:15 Local Registration: N2143G
Aircraft: Piper PA-28-161 Injuries: 1 Serious
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Instructional

On June 24, 2021, about 1115 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-161, N2143G, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Easton Maryland. The pilot was seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to the student pilot, he conducted a preflight inspection before he and his instructor completed the engine run-up and takeoff roll with no anomalies noted. They stayed in the pattern conducting three takeoffs and landings before stopping to let the instructor out so the student pilot could attempt three solo take-off and landings.

After the second take-off the student pilot was turning onto the downwind leg of the traffic pattern when he heard a reduction in engine power and could see the propeller slowing down. He was at an altitude of about 700 ft on downwind and had to pitch the airplane forward so it would not stall. The pilot did not think he could make it back to the airport, so he picked a field and set up for a forced landing. He made one last turn before landing with an airspeed of about 60 knots at touch down and then recalled striking a pile of metal on the ground.

A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane after the accident and confirmed that the airplane had been consumed by a post-impact fire.

The was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov