Probable cause
A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during climb out after takeoff, which resulted in a forced landing to a roadway.
NTSB analysis
The accident occurred about 8 minutes after takeoff on the final leg of a three leg cross-country flight. The pilot reported engine roughness followed by a partial loss of engine power during the climb out after takeoff, followed by a complete loss of engine power. The pilot’s attempts to restore engine power were not successful and he subsequently executed a forced landing onto a road about 7 miles from the departure airport. The right main landing gear struck a traffic light during the approach and the airplane landed hard. A post impact fire ensued and the pilot evacuated the airplane without injury. Post-accident examination of the engine and associated components did not reveal anomalies consistent with a pre-impact failure or malfunction.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA023 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 18, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Peoria, Illinois
- Nearest airport
- Greater Peoria Regional (PIA)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Piper PA-32-260
- N-number
- N3357W
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Destroyed
- 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.