Preliminary information
On March 6, 2025, about 1145 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-140 airplane, N54479, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pearland, Texas. One pilot sustained minor injuries, and the other pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he departed the Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Pearland, Texas, and was destined for La Porte Municipal Airport (T41), La Porte, Texas. The left-seat pilot assumed the duties of pilot flying (PF) for the take-off from LVJ. The pilot monitoring (PM), seated in the right seat, stated that he noticed the tachometer was reading about 2,350 rpm during the takeoff roll from runway 14, which he noted was lower than normal. The PM directed the PF to increase the airplane’s airspeed before rotation. The PM stated that the airplane rotated about 65-67 mph, the engine instruments were “green,” and the engine sounded normal. About 200 ft above ground level, both pilots noticed that the engine rpm had decreased to about 2,200. The PM told the PF to pitch for 85 mph for the airplane’s “best climb.” The vertical speed indicator indicated a 100 foot-per-minute climb but then settled to level flight. The PM took over the PF duties. He pitched the airplane to achieve “best glide” and planned to conduct a forced landing to a field about 1 mile from the departure end of runway 14. The engine continued operating with partial power during the forced landing. The airplane impacted a wood pile and came to rest along a dirt embankment. A post-impact fire ensued and both pilots were able to egress using the main door. The airplane sustained substantial damage.
Before the flight, the airplane was filled with 47 gallons of 87-octane ethanol-free automotive fuel. The airplane was recovered for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA111 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 6, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Pearland, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Pearland Rgnl (LVJ)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-140
- N-number
- N54479
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- 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.