ERA26LA056

On November 24, 2025, about 1427 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-24-180, N8328P, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near South Brooksville, Florida. 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 that the flight originated from Talladega Municipal Airport (ASN), Talladega, Alabama, and continued to Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL), Gainesville, Georgia, where two passengers were boarded. The intended route was to proceed to Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), Lakeland, Florida, and then return to ASN. The pilot departed ASN about 0830 with 56 gallons of fuel onboard the airplane and landed at GVL about 0930. The pilot then departed GVL about 1100. Throughout the flight, the pilot monitored fuel consumption using the fuel gauges and switched fuel tanks every 30 minutes. About 3 hours into the flight to LAL, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power. The pilot switched fuel tanks and activated the electric fuel pump, and engine power was restored. The pilot contacted air traffic control and was advised that Brooksville Tampa Bay Regional Airport (BKV), Tampa, Florida, was about 3 miles ahead. Shortly thereafter, the engine experienced a total loss of power. Unable to restore power, he declared an emergency and performed a forced landing in a field. During the subsequent landing, with the landing gear retracted, the right wing and right stabilator impacted a fence before the airplane came to rest in a grassy field about 2 miles northwest of BKV. Photographs taken by a Hernando County Sheriff’s Office deputy showed substantial damage to the right stabilator. The photographs also indicated that no fuel was visible in the fuel tanks. The airplane was retained for further examination.