N7538P

On March 30, 2024, about 1451 EDT, a Piper PA-24-250, N7538P, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near North Kingstown, Rhode Island. The private pilot and one passenger were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14?Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot stated that she flew the airplane earlier that day on two uneventful flights that lasted about 1 hour 45 minutes. Prior to the third flight, which was the accident flight, she performed a walk around inspection using the preflight checklist. She then started the engine and taxied to the runway where she performed the before takeoff checklist with no discrepancies reported. She departed with the fuel selector positioned to the right tank and proceeded to the destination airport.

When the airplane was 10 miles from the destination airport, she contacted the tower and was informed to expect a straight in approach to runway 23 and to call a 2-mile final. When the airplane was 5 miles from the airport she began the pre-landing checklist, and continued to the airport. As the flight continued she noticed the airplane was low based on the precision approach path indicator, and when at about 800 ft and between ½ and 1-mile from the runway she added power but the engine did not respond. She complied with the engine-out checklist but did not move the fuel selector or apply carburetor heat, but did move the ignition switch, although the engine did not respond. She announced an emergency to the tower controller and the passenger unlocked and unlatched the passenger entry door prior to ditching the airplane in Narragansett Bay.

The airplane was recovered and retained for further examination.