N617ETPiper PA-32-300 · 1967

On November 17, 2024, about 1110 Pacific standard time, a Piper PA-32-300, N617ET, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Pomona, California. The pilot and two passengers sustained minor injuries. One passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he departed Apple Valley Airport (APV), Apple Valley, California, with an intended destination of Brackett Field Airport (POC), La Verne, California. When he was about 10 miles from POC, he contacted the POC Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT), and the controller instructed him to enter the right downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 26R. Shortly after, the controller revised his instructions and instructed the pilot to enter runway the traffic pattern on the base leg for runway 26R.

The pilot performed pre-landing checklist items and observed no anomalies with the airplane. The controller cleared the pilot to land on runway 26R and after he had turned onto final, the engine lost power. The pilot switched fuel tanks, checked the fuel boost pump, however, was unable to restore engine power. He attempted to land on a road west of the Pomona Fairplex, however, the airplane descended into a parking lot and struck multiple unoccupied vehicles before it came to rest upright about 1,000 ft from the approach end of runway 26R.

Both wings, fuselage, and stabilator were substantially damaged. The wreckage was recovered to a secure facility for further examination.