20120711013919A

On July 11, 2012, N6258J, a Piper PA28-140, received substantial damage shortly after takeoff from Ferguson field, 82J, in Pensacola, Florida. Two certificated pilots were in the aircraft at the time of the accident. The private pilot suffered minor injures; the certificated flight instructor suffered serious injuries. According to a witness, at approximately 1830 local time, he saw an aircraft depart runway 18 at 82J, and shortly thereafter make a left turn back towards the airport. He also stated that he heard the aircraft experiencing a "sputtering" engine. The witness then stated that it appeared the aircraft was losing altitude, and then the engine did not appear to be running. The private pilot involved in the accident was contacted on July 13, 2012; the private pilot stated that after a normal pre-flight and taxi, he and the certificated flight instructor departed runway 18 at approximately 1830 local time. Shortly after departure, both pilots observed that the aircraft was not able to climb; he also stated the engine rpm's appeared to indicate approximately 2100 rpm's. at that point, the private pilot stated that they decided to execute a left turn and return to the airport and land as soon as practical. The private pilot then stated that the aircraft was not able to maintain altitude and did not have enough engine power to make a landing on runway 36. According to the private pilot, they determined that the aircraft would not be able to make the runway safely and looked for a clear spot for an off field landing. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft impacted a swampy area approximately 100 yards south of runway 36. The aircraft received substantial damage during the impact. The certificated flight instructor could not be contacted after the accident due to injuries sustained in the accident.