N602RF – Diamond Aircraft Industries DA 40 NG – 2026-06-29 NTSB Accident Report

On June 29, 2026, about 1945 eastern daylight time (EDT), a Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. DA40 NG airplane, N602RF, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Petersburg, Virginia. The flight instructor sustained serious injuries, and the student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported that during the initial climb following a go-around on Runway 05 at Dinwiddie County Airport (PTB), the occupants heard a loud bang near midfield, followed by a reduction in engine power. The flight instructor assumed control of the airplane and observed that engine power decreased to below about 40%, resulting in a loss of expected climb performance; the engine continued to produce partial power. The airplane was unable to achieve sufficient climb performance to clear obstacles beyond the departure end of the runway environment. While assessing available areas for a forced landing, the flight instructor maneuvered the airplane, which resulted in activation of the stall warning horn. The flight instructor discontinued the turn and secured the engine by moving the fuel selector to the off position before the airplane impacted treetops.

The airplane came to rest inverted in a densely wooded area about 1 mile northeast of the departure end of Runway 05, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and empennage.

A data card from the avionics installed in the airplane was retained and forwarded to the NTSB Recorders Laboratory for flight and engine data extraction.

The wreckage has been recovered to a secure facility for further examination.