PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 6; Flight Crew Total 112; Flight Crew Type 60
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown
Aircraft; Human Factors
I went for a flight in my Piper Cherokee 6 PA-32-300. Winds were calm; ceiling above 25;000 feet; and over 10 mile visibility. We reached an elevation of approximately 3200 feet MSL. I engaged the autopilot and set altitude hold at this elevation. I adjusted engine and prop for cruise alt; and adjust fuel flow for approximately 75% power at 16 gallons per hour. We flew approximately 18 miles north of ZZZ; and we felt a 'shudder'. Immediately made the decision to turn around and head back to ZZZ. As we flew; checked engine gauges for fuel flow; oil pressure; engine temperature; etc. and all checked out. I climbed to approximately 3800 feet MSL to gain some additional altitude. I engaged the throttle more and noticed we did not get any additional thrust. We flew approximately 5 miles south back toward ZZZ and the engine completely shut down. Immediately notified my passenger that we were going to make an emergency landing; made sure seats were locked and seat belts were tight. Set transponder to 7700 and immediately began looking for a good place to make an emergency landing. We found a field to the west that looked like an open field and appeared to have no fences; cattle or hay in the field. Maneuvered down to approximately 1500 feet MSL; and engaged full flaps. We noticed a power line on the south of the property and a gravel county road. We flew approximately 200 feet above the power line and glided into the field. Landed safely and performed a soft field landing keeping the nose up as long as possible. Engaged the brakes and rolled for approximately 500 feet and came to a complete stop. No injuries to pilot or passenger. The time of landing was approximately [20 minutes after takeoff].
PA32 pilot reported engine roughness so the pilot turned back toward the departure airport; but the engine quit completely and an off airport landing was successfully accomplished.