CEN26LA149

On March 26, 2026, about 0720 central daylight time, a Piper PA28-140 airplane, N1653J, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Atlanta, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. According to preliminary information obtained from the pilot, during the initial climb and while still over the runway, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot elected to land straight ahead, touching down just past the runway in a grassy area. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with the airport’s perimeter chain link fence resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage. A FAA inspector responded to the accident site and found fuel in both wing tanks. Sumped fuel from the tanks showed no evidence of water contamination. The airplane had recently been fueled, and the airport’s fuel also showed no evidence of contamination. The airplane was retained for further examination.