NTSB Factual Report

On April 3, 2004, about 1050 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28R-180, N19AG, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, while on approach to the Elyria Airport (1G1), Elyria, Ohio. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and a private pilot were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 CFR part 91.

The CFI and private pilot had been flying for about 50 minutes, when they decided to return to 1G1. The airplane was on approach to runway 27, a 3,053-foot-long, 48-foot-wide, asphalt runway.

According to the CFI, the private pilot was flying the airplane when the engine experienced a power loss, about 2 miles from the runway. The engine did not sputter, and the propeller continued to windmill. The CFI assumed control of the airplane and attempted to glide to the airport; however, the airplane struck the ground about 700 feet prior to the runway. The landing gear collapsed and the airplane's left wing struck a tree stump.

The private pilot reported that earlier in the day, he topped off both the left and right fuel tanks, and had flown in the airplane with another pilot for about 45 minutes, without any problems.

The airplane had been operated for about 2.5 hours since it's most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 5 days prior to the accident.

Examination of the airplane and engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Control continuity was confirmed for the propeller, throttle, and mixture controls. The airplane was equipped with an IO-360 series engine. Piston and valve train continuity were observed when the propeller was rotated by hand. Both the left and right magnetos produced spark when rotated. The engine-driven and fuel boost pumps operated normally, and the fuel system was absent of contamination.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.