Preliminary information
On July 20, 2026, about 1340 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-180, N454MD was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Bulberde, Texas. The flight instructor and student pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 instructional flight.
The flight instructor reported that they had been performing takeoff and landing practice and had accomplished three successful takeoffs and landings. On the forth takeoff, when the airplane was 50 to 60 ft above the ground, the engine stopped producing power. A forced landing was executed, during which, the airplane struck trees and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage, both wings, and the empennage surfaces.
The airplane has been retained for further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA265 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 20, 2026
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Bulverde, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Bulverde Airpark (1T8)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 2
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28-180
- N-number
- N454MD
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.