NTSB Factual Report

On April 30, 2017, about 1330 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA32RT-300, N31678, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Coral Springs, Florida. The airline transport pilot was not injured. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight.

According to the pilot, during cruise flight he noticed that the engine manifold pressure dropped. He advanced the throttle forward to regain engine power, with no response from the engine. The engine continued to run smoothly at a reduced power setting; however, the airplane was unable to maintain altitude. After several additional unsuccessful attempts to increase engine power, the pilot declared an emergency, and subsequently performed a forced landing on a levy. During the landing roll, the airplane veered off the side of the levy and collided with a ditch.

Initial examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the aft right wing spar was damaged. The airplane was retained for further examination.