Casualties unknown

1983-01-08: Cessna 140 (N72280) — Sussex, NJ

Sussex, NJ, US

On January 8, 1983, a Cessna 140 (registration N72280) was involved in an aviation accident near Sussex, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an unexplained loss of engine power, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent nose-over accident. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff, forcing a return to the airport. The pilot executed a landing on soft grassy terrain, but the right main gear collapsed, causing the plane to nose over.

What happened

The flight began with a normal takeoff sequence. Shortly after becoming airborne, the aircraft lost engine power at an altitude of approximately 200 feet above the ground. Recognizing the critical nature of the situation, the pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport in an attempt to land safely within the runway boundaries.

Despite the pilot's efforts to restore engine power through standard remedial actions, the engine did not respond. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing on soft, grassy terrain adjacent to the airport. During the impact and subsequent rollout, the right main landing gear separated from the airframe. This structural failure caused the aircraft to pitch forward violently, resulting in a nose-over attitude.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and reviewed the operational details of the event. A thorough inspection was conducted to determine the root cause of the sudden power loss during flight. However, no mechanical defect or external factor could be identified that would explain why the engine stopped producing power.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the severity of the accident were the unexplained engine failure and the subsequent collapse of the landing gear upon impact with soft ground. The separation of the right main gear was a direct result of the forces exerted during the off-runway landing.

engine failure

The investigation concluded that there was no discernible reason for the power loss. No evidence of fuel exhaustion, mechanical breakage, or pilot error regarding engine management was found prior to the loss of thrust.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control due to an unexplained loss of engine power, which resulted in a forced landing and subsequent nose-over accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42081. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.