Piper PA-28-235 Crashes Into Mangroves After Engine Failure at Key West

A Piper PA-28-235 Cherokee Charger, registration N15564, sustained substantial damage after losing engine power shortly after takeoff from Key West International Airport (EYW) on June 14, 2026. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident, which occurred at approximately 10:35 a.m. Eastern time. The aircraft was operating under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91.

The pilot reported a total loss of power at approximately 60 feet above ground level, shortly after rotation. He attempted to restore power by confirming the throttle, mixture control and propeller pitch were all full forward, but the engine did not respond. With insufficient altitude and runway remaining, the pilot landed straight ahead, coming to rest in a stand of mangrove trees east of the runway. Monroe County Fire Rescue evacuated both occupants from the dense vegetation; the pilot was uninjured and the passenger sustained minor injuries, declining hospital transport.

The NTSB has retained the airframe and engine for further examination to determine the cause of the power loss. The pilot, who had rented the aircraft, reported flying from Apopka, Florida, to Key West the previous day without incident, and said the preflight inspection and engine run-up on the day of the accident were normal.