Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-28-235 near Key West, FL — 2026-06-14

Investigation ongoingANC26LA053
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Date
2026-06-14
Location
Key West, FL, USA
Airport
EYW
Aircraft
PIPER PA-28-235
Registration
N15564
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
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 June 14, 2026, at 1035 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-28-235 airplane, N15564, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Key West, Florida. The pilot was not injured and the passenger sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title Code of Regulations Part 91 flight. The pilot stated he rented the airplane and flew from Apopka, Florida to Key West International Airport (EYW), Key West, Florida, the previous day without incident. The next day the airplane was fueled, and he stated the preflight and engine run-up were normal. He reported that during the accident takeoff, just after rotation, about 60 knots and 60 ft above ground level, the engine lost all power. The pilot said that in an attempt to restore engine power, he confirmed that the engine throttle, mixture control and propeller pitch control were all full forward, but engine power was not regained. At a low altitude and without sufficient runway remaining, the pilot landed straight ahead. The airplane came to rest in a stand of mangrove trees and sustained substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The airframe and engine have been retained by the NTSB for further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (partial) · Takeoff
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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