NTSB Factual Report

On November 16, 2017, about 1800 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28R-201T, N5966V, was substantially damaged following an emergency landing as a result of a total loss of engine power near Nipton, California. The commercial pilot and the sole passenger were not injured. Instrument meteorological conditions (IFR) prevailed at altitude, while visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the accident site. The cross-country flight was being operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and an IFR flight plan was filed and active at the time of the accident. The flight departed North Las Vegas Airport (VGT), Las Vegas, Nevada, about 1655, with an intended destination of Brackett Field (POC), La Verne, California.

In a telephone interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge shortly after the accident, the pilot reported that while in cruise flight at 10,000 feet he noticed the JPI indicator revealed that the #5 cylinder had spiked. This was followed shortly thereafter by the engine running rough, and then a total loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently made an emergency landing to the west on interstate highway I15, about 20 miles north of Baker, California. During the landing roll the airplane exited the right side of the highway and into some soft dirt. An onsite damage assessment by Federal Aviation Administration inspectors assigned to the Las Vegas Flight Standards District Office revealed that the airplane's right wing spar was substantially damaged.

The airplane was recovered to a secured storage facility in Phoenix, Arizona for further examination.