N135DG

On August 4,2024 about 1315 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-28R-201T, N135DG, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Sacramento, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that prior to the flight, he completely refueled both fuel tanks at Mc Clellan Airfield (KMCC), McClellan Pak, California. Afterwards, he completed his preflight and performed an engine runup, verifying that the fuel selector lever was set to the right-wing fuel tank. During takeoff roll on runway 16, he confirmed that he had takeoff power set to 39 inches of manifold pressure. Shortly after the airplane lifted off the ground, the engine sputtered. The pilot glanced at the instrument panel and noticed that the manifold pressure indicated about 31 inches, and he was at an altitude of about 500 ft mean sea level.

The pilot initiated a 180° turn back to the airport as soon as he noticed the propeller had stopped spinning. He then turned the fuel boost pump to the “high” position and declared an emergency with the local air traffic control tower. As he realized he would not be able to make it to the airport, the pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby golf course. During the off-airport landing sequence, the airplane impacted the ground and subsequently slid into a building before it came to rest upright. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that both wings were substantially damaged.

The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.