NTSB Factual Report

On April 29, 2003, at approximately 0652 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28-140 single-engine airplane, N7546R, registered to and operated by a private individual, was destroyed after it impacted power lines following a loss of engine power after take off from a private grass airstrip near Needham, Arkansas. The private pilot and his passenger sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and its destination was Forrest City, Arkansas.

The pilot reported to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, that everything was "normal" during pre-flight, ground run, and taxi. He stated that just after lift off, the engine lost power. The pilot elected to fly over the power lines to avoid a truck that was on a roadway directly in front of his flight path. The airplane subsequently collided with the power lines and impacted the ground.

The reason for the reported loss of engine power could not be determined.

On the application form for his most recent FAA third-class medical certificate completed on June 12, 2000, the private pilot reported a total flight time of 40 hours.

Despite attempts made by the Investigator-In-Charge to obtain a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), a completed form was not obtained.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.