Piper PA-28R-201 N125MT accident near Wiggins, South Carolina

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed, requested flight following services from air traffic control while flying at 3,000 ft msl, and was then assigned a transponder code and identified 4 miles east of the departure airport. The airplane climbed on the runway heading for about 4.5 miles before turning north in a continued climb. The pilot subsequently advised the controller that the engine had “stopped” and declared a “mayday” while looking for a place to land. The controller offered multiple potential landing options to the pilot; however, she stated that she could not make the nearest and that she was going to land in a field. The airplane’s descent continued and groundspeed decreased until track data was lost about 1.2 miles from the accident site. The airplane came to rest partially submerged in a pond. Postaccident examination of the airframe and fuel-injected engine, including an engine test run, did not reveal evidence any preimpact mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. During a magneto timing check, the right magneto would not time to the engine. However, the engine started and operated with the right-hand magneto in the as-found condition.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA080 for the full record.