Piper PA-28-235 N15564 accident near Key West, Florida

Preliminary information

On June 14, 2026, at 1035 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-235 airplane, N15564, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Key West, Florida. The pilot was not injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title Code of Regulations Part 91 flight.

The pilot stated he rented the airplane and flew from Apopka, Florida to Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida, the previous day without incident. The next day the airplane was fueled, and he stated the preflight and engine run-up were normal.

He reported that during the accident takeoff, just after rotation, about 60 knots and 60 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot said that in an attempt to restore engine power, he confirmed that the engine throttle, mixture control and propeller pitch control were all full forward, but engine power was not regained. At a low altitude and without sufficient runway remaining, the pilot landed straight ahead. The airplane came to rest in a stand of mangrove trees and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.

The airframe and engine have been retained by the NTSB for further examination.

Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ANC26LA053 for the full record.