NTSB Factual Report

On December 8, 2012, about 1530 central standard time, a North American T-28C, single engine airplane, N280JM, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during an off airport forced landing near Charping Airport (5TA1), Moody, Texas. The airplane was registered to and operated by a private individual. The pilot and passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan had been not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The airplane had departed from Draughon-Miller Central Texas Regional Airport (TPL), Temple, Texas, about 1400 for the local flight.

The pilot reported that he was on a base leg for a practice low approach to the 2,200 foot long turf runway at 5TA1, when there was a sudden complete loss of engine power. The pilot's brief efforts to restart the engine were unsuccessful and he executed an off-airport forced landing with the landing gear retracted and the speed brakes stowed. There was an immediate postimpact fire in the engine compartment which was extinguished with handheld fire extinguishers brought by several witnesses who had responded quickly.

A postaccident examination showed the engine mount, lower forward fuselage, and wing spar sustained substantial damage. There was fire damage to the engine compartment and the upper engine cowling and smoke damage to the cockpit area. There was adequate fuel on board. The supercharger had been tested before departure on both low and high with no deficiency noted. Both magnetos and the engine driven fuel pump and electric fuel boost pump had also been tested with no deficiency noted. The examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because the examination of the engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.