N38696

On February 25, 2024, about 1610 central standard time, a Piper PA-28-181 airplane, N38696, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Watertown, South Dakota. Both the pilot and passenger were uninjured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

According to the flight instructor, the airplane had just took off when the engine lost partial power. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and attempted a forced landing on the remaining runway. During the forced landing, the airplane departed the runway surface and struck a fence and trees which resulted in substantial damage to both wings. Fuel, consistent with 100LL Avgas, was observed leaking from the right wing and a fuel sample was obtained by recovery personnel from the intact left fuel tank.

Engine monitoring data that showed that during the takeoff, the engine power increase from 851 rpm to a maximum of 2,505 rpm. After rotation and about five seconds later during the initial climb, the engine power decrease to 1,446 rpm.

The airplane was retained for further examination.