N46CR

On October 26, 2025, about 918 mountain daylight time, a Piper PA46-310P, N46CR, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near El Paso, Texas. The pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported he was climbing to his enroute cruise altitude when the engine made a loud bang, followed by decreasing temperature readings and a low oil pressure warning. The pilot declared an emergency, requested vectors to the nearest airport, and performed the engine failure emergency checklist. The pilot assessed different landing options before deciding on a north-south dirt road. The airplane touched down about 500 feet before a steep incline in the road. The pilot applied heavy braking until he spotted a 3 foot hole in the road, at which time he released the brakes and applied full aft elevator. All three landing gear separated from the airplane as the airplane went into and past the hole in the road. The wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. Once the airplane came to rest, the pilot shut down the electrical systems and began evacuation of the occupants through the emergency exit. The main door had become blocked by a tree and some brush.

Post accident examination of the airplane revealed a hole in the top of the crankcase by the number two cylinder. The magneto above the hole was dislodged from its mounting point. Clean looking oil was present on the dipstick. The airplane was retained for further examination.