PIPER PA-32-260
Pinetown, NC, August 6, 2026
Event Information
| Date | August 6, 2026 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| Location | Pinetown, NC |
| Country | USA |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
| NTSB Number | ANC26LA080 |
| Event ID | 20260810203560 |
Aircraft
| Make | PIPER |
| Model | PA-32-260 |
| Registration # | N8791E |
| Owner | KL&Z FARMS LLC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 3 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 3 |
Full Narrative
On August 6, 2026, about 1355 eastern daylight time, a Piper Aircraft PA-32-260 airplane, N8791E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pinetown, North Carolina. The private pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
According to the pilot, after departing Martin County Airport (MCZ), Williamston, North Carolina, enroute to Ocracoke Island Airport (W95), Ocracoke, North Carolina, he climbed to and leveled at 3,000 ft mean sea level. About 10 minutes after establishing cruise flight, the engine experienced a total loss of power.
The pilot established the airplane's best-glide airspeed, transmitted a mayday call, and attempted to restart the engine. Unable to restore engine power, he selected a logging path within a wooded area for a forced landing. During the landing rollout, the airplane's left wing struck a tree. The airplane subsequently impacted another tree and came to rest in a ditch, resulting in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage.
The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.