N251BC

On August 2, 2003, at 1115 central daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-201T single-engine airplane, N251BC, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Alpine, Texas. The private pilot and two passengers were not injured. No flight plan was filed for the flight that originated Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), Alpine, Texas, about 1045. Visual meteorological condition prevailed for the personal flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The 162-nautical mile cross-country flight originated from the Alpine-Casparis Airport at1045, with El Paso (ELP) as its planned destination.

The 549-hour pilot reported to the NTSB Investigator-In-Charge that while in cruise flight at 10,500 feet, approximately 20 minutes after take off, the engine began to lose power, which was followed by a "loud bang" that appeared to be coming from the engine compartment. The pilot attempted to get emergency calls out, but was unable to raised anyone. The pilot elected to execute a forced landing to a narrow dirt road. The landing touchdown was successful; however, during the landing rollout the right wing struck a yucca cactus plant approximately 120 feet from touchdown point, which damaged the leading edge of the wing. A few seconds later, the left wing struck another cactus plant, and collapsed the left main landing gear.

The most recent annual inspection and 100-hour inspection was completed on December 11, 2002, at a total time of 2,835 hours. The airplane had 72 gallons of 100LL fuel on board at the time of departure from E38.

At 1305, the Alpine-Casparis Municipal Airport (E38), near Alpine, Texas, was reporting winds from 200 degrees at 6 knots, temperature 93 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure setting of 30.09 inches Hg. The visibility was 10 statute miles and the sky was clear.

The FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, conducted an on-site examination of the Continental TSIO-360F 4-cylinder engine (S/N: 305618). His examination revealed a bulge and crack in the upper engine case near the #1 cylinder. The reason for the internal failure of the engine was not determined.