N890MA

On June 24, 2024, about 1215 eastern daylight time, a Piper PA-28-151, N890MA, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Fire Island, New York. The flight instructor and student pilot were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported that the purpose of the flight was to perform private pilot maneuvers. The airplane departed about 35 minutes prior with 50 gallons of fuel. After completing several maneuvers at 1,100 ft mean sea level, the flight instructor instructed the student pilot to switch fuel tanks and climb to 2,000 ft msl. During the climb, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. Shortly after the flight instructor assumed control, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. After unsuccessful attempts to regain engine power, the flight instructor executed a forced landing to a beach about 14 miles southwest of Republic Airport (FRG), Farmingdale, New York. During the landing, the nose gear collapsed, and the airplane came to rest upright on the beach.

Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the engine mount. The airplane was retained for further examination.