February 10, 2008, Spring, Texas, Piper PA-28-235

The airplane was substantially damaged at approximately 1139 Central time following a forced landing after initial takeoff. The private pilot and sole occupant was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. According to a witness, the airplane was departing the runway and climbed to approximately 400 feet above ground level when the engine began "sputtering." As the airplane began a "sharp" turn back to the runway, the engine quit and the airplane descended towards the field. Both main landing gear were separated from the airplane and both wings sustained impact damage.

Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • An airplane sustained substantial damage and its pilot was seriously injured following a forced landing shortly after initial takeoff.
  • The incident occurred after the engine began "sputtering" and then quit at approximately 400 feet above ground level, as the pilot attempted a sharp turn back to the runway.
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The airplane was substantially damaged at approximately 1139 Central time following a forced landing after initial takeoff. The private pilot and sole occupant was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed.

According to a witness, the airplane was departing the runway and climbed to approximately 400 feet above ground level when the engine began “sputtering.” As the airplane began a “sharp” turn back to the runway, the engine quit and the airplane descended towards the field. Both main landing gear were separated from the airplane and both wings sustained impact damage.

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