CHI94LA256

Factual narrative

On July 31, 1994, at 0916 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28, N32736, was destroyed following a complete loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing in a wooded area near Fort Wayne, Indiana. The private pilot reported no injuries, the one passenger reported minor injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight originated in Huntington, Indiana, on a VFR flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. According to the pilot's statement, he was approximately five miles northeast of Fort Wayne Airport when he heard a loud bang and the airplane then lost all engine power. He immediately made a 180 degree turn in an attempt to make an emergency landing at Fort Wayne Airport. The pilot was unable to maintain enough altitude to safely make it to the runway. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest in a vertical position. Postaccident examination revealed the number one cylinder head had fractured. While in cruise flight, the private pilot heard a loud bang and the airplane then lost all engine power. The pilot immediately made a 180 degree turn in an attempt to make an emergency landing at the nearest airport, but he was not able to maintain enough altitude to reach the runway. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest in a vertical position. Postaccident examination revealed the number one cylinder head had fractured. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12