Piper PA-28 Makes Emergency Landing in Philadelphia Park After Engine Failure

Emergency Landing Near Northeast Philadelphia Airport

PHILADELPHIA — A Piper PA-28-181 Archer made an emergency landing in a park near Northeast Philadelphia Airport on April 1 following a reported loss of engine power during a training flight. The aircraft, registration N494LA, was conducting a Part 91 instructional flight to prepare a student pilot for an upcoming checkride when the engine failed at approximately 1,400 feet. The student pilot sustained serious injuries while the flight instructor suffered minor injuries. No fatalities were reported.

Investigation Details

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, the aircraft was inbound to Northeast Philadelphia Airport for Runway 33 when the engine failed to respond to throttle inputs. The flight instructor reported the tachometer indicated roughly 750 rpm during the emergency. After an attempted in-flight restart failed, the instructor took control and executed a forced landing in a nearby park. The aircraft struck a tree during the landing roll, causing substantial damage to the fuselage, engine mount and wings.

FAA inspectors confirmed both wing tanks contained approximately 20 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel, and all switches were found in the ON position. The aircraft's engine monitor data has been recovered for analysis. The NTSB has classified the incident as serious with substantial damage and continues investigating the mechanical components and operational factors involved.