At about 2020 eastern time, a Piper PA-28-181 crashed during a forced landing in Corry, killing the pilot. The pilot had reported a rough running engine to controllers shortly after takeoff from Erie International Airport but made no further transmissions. Two witnesses said the airplane was headed north at a very low altitude. One said the engine was spitting and sputtering like it was stalling or running out of gas. An employee at the FBO in Erie said the accident arrived at the airport about 1400 and the pilot asked if a mechanic was on duty, saying he had trouble starting the engine earlier in the day. The pilot had 233 hours total flight time, including 2.6 hours in make and model.
February 26, Corry, Pa. / Piper Archer
At about 2020 eastern time, a Piper PA-28-181 crashed during a forced landing in Corry, killing the pilot. The pilot had reported a rough running engine to controllers shortly after takeoff from Erie International Airport but made no further transmissions. Two witnesses said the airplane was headed north at a very low altitude. One said the engine was spitting and sputtering like it was stalling or running out of gas. An employee at the FBO in Erie said the accident arrived at the airport about 1400 and the pilot asked if a mechanic was on duty, saying he had trouble starting the engine earlier in the day. The pilot had 233 hours total flight time, including 2.6 hours in make and model....
Key Takeaways:
- A Piper PA-28-181 crashed in Corry, killing the pilot, after he reported a rough-running engine shortly after takeoff from Erie International Airport.
- Witnesses observed the aircraft flying at a very low altitude with the engine "spitting and sputtering," consistent with the pilot's report of mechanical issues.
- Earlier the same day, the pilot had inquired about a mechanic at the FBO, citing previous trouble starting the engine.
- The pilot had limited flight experience, with 233 total hours, and only 2.6 hours in the specific aircraft make and model.
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