Preliminary information
On September 20, 2026 about 2314 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N224BB, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Junction, Texas. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection and engine run-up of the airplane and found no anomalies. He verified all gauges were in the green and departed the Kimble County Airport (JCT) at about 2312L. At about 600 ft above the ground the engine rpm decreased from 2560 rpm to 1,100 rpm. The pilot increased the mixture control to the full rich position, moved the engine throttle to full power and engaged the engine starter but the engine remained at 1,100 rpm. When he engaged the engine starter, he determined the engine was still running. He trimmed the airplane for best glide and made a force landing to a heavily treed area. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
A detailed wreckage examination is pending.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ANC26LA107 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Junction, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (JCT)
- Highest injury
- Serious
- Serious injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N224BB
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1969
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.