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Engine Failure During Practice Flight Leads to Emergency Landing in Corn Field (N8245N)

Beltsville, MD, US

On August 29, 1982, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N8245N) operated by Nelson L. Dunnam was involved in an aviation accident near Beltsville, MD. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a BFR practice flight, the pilot experienced an engine failure while at idle on downwind. Restart attempts failed, leading to an emergency landing in a corn field. Damage was minor and no injuries occurred.

Incident Overview

During a practice flight in preparation for a Biennial Flight Review (BFR), the pilot was conducting VFR go-around exercises at a closed airport. On the second circuit, while on the downwind leg, the engine failed while at idle. The pilot's attempts to restart the aircraft were unsuccessful.

Emergency Landing

Unable to restore engine power, the pilot elected to execute an emergency landing in a corn field. The landing resulted in damage limited to the nose gear, right main gear, and right wing tip. There were no injuries reported.

Investigation

According to the investigation, the reason for the power loss was not determined. No further information regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other specifics was provided in the source material.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1982 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Beltsville, MD?

During a BFR practice flight, the pilot experienced an engine failure while at idle on downwind. Restart attempts failed, leading to an emergency landing in a corn field. Damage was minor and no injuries occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1982 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1982 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N8245N, operated by Nelson L. Dunnam, at Beltsville, MD.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X02898. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.