Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Shafter, CA — 2025-02-09

Investigation ongoingWPR25LA092
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Date
2025-02-09
Location
Shafter, CA, USA
Airport
MIT
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N8535N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On February 9, 2025, about 1115 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-28-235, N8535N, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Shafter, California. The student and flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The student pilot reported that while on final approach to runway 30 at Shafter- Airport-Minter Field (MIT), Shafter, California, the engine lost power at about 400 ft above ground level. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, performed the power loss in flight checklist and attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. The flight instructor initiated a forced landing to an open field about 1 mile south of runway 30. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over which resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Approach
View NTSB preliminary report

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