Piper Arrow II Suffers Engine Failure During Landing at Brackett Field Airport

On October 28, 2025, Piper PA-28R-200 N5107S was involved in an accident near Upland, California, after a progressive loss of engine oil pressure was followed by an explosion-like event inside the engine cowling. The pilot and passenger were not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the lower fuselage. The NTSB preliminary report provides a detailed sequence of the engine problem, emergency response and hard landing.

Oil pressure begins to fall

The NTSB preliminary report states that the pilot and passenger were about 33 miles west of Cable Airport when the oil pressure decreased to the lower limit of the green arc. About 14 miles west of Cable, the pressure reduced to zero while all other engine indications appeared normal. The pilot reduced power to about 16–17 inches of manifold pressure, reviewed the checklist and obtained ATC approval to descend.

The descent began from about 5,000 feet mean sea level. At that point, the pilot was already treating the oil-pressure loss as an abnormal engine condition while attempting to position the aircraft toward an airport.

Explosion and loss of usable power

As the aircraft descended through about 3,000 feet msl, the pilot observed an explosion within the engine cowling. The NTSB report states that the engine then became rough and the airplane began to shake. The pilot reduced the throttle to idle, but engine power could not be restored.

The pilot then completed the engine-failure checklist and declared an emergency. The aircraft was being directed toward Brackett Field, and the crew continued managing the airplane as a power-off landing became necessary.

Smoke and final approach

The NTSB report states that smoke was observed coming from the engine cowling. The pilot leaned the mixture and turned off the fuel pump before continuing the emergency landing. The airplane was maneuvered toward Runway 26L at Brackett Field.

During the final approach, the stall warning activated. The pilot reported that the airplane stalled in a level attitude about 15 to 20 feet above the ground. The aircraft then landed hard and slid to a stop.

Damage and investigation status

Because the NTSB had not established a final cause in the preliminary report, the record does not assign a specific mechanical failure as the reason for the oil-pressure loss or subsequent engine damage. The documented sequence is sufficient to explain how the emergency developed without claiming a conclusion that the investigation had not yet reached.

“The pilot then observed an “explosion” within the engine cowling.”

Accident Facts

The NTSB provides 18:45 local as the accident time; the preceding events are presented in the report's sequence because exact clock times were not provided.

Sources

• NTSB: Preliminary Report WPR26LA034