NTSB Factual Report

On March 27, 2015, approximately 0915 central daylight time, a Piper PA-32R-301T airplane, N9284, registered to the pilot, was substantially damaged following a forced landing after a loss of engine power shortly after departing from Clark Field Municipal Airport, Stephenville, Texas. Both occupants, the private pilot and one passenger, sustained serious injuries. The flight was being conducted under the provisions of Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed in the vicinity and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported to first responders that the engine lost power about 1,000 feet during climbout. The pilot attempted to maneuver the airplane to make an emergency landing onto a nearby paved highway, however the traffic was too heavy, so he attempted to land on the shoulder of the highway. The airplane then collided with power lines and impacted the ground, coming to rest inverted. Both the pilot and passenger were transported to a nearby hospital. After the accident, the airplane wreckage was transported to a hangar located at Clark Field for examination.