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Engine Failure During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing and Fire (N5818F)

Monroe, WI, US

On January 19, 1983, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N5818F) was involved in an aviation accident near Monroe, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue failure of the idle set screw (P/N 2424273-10) in the Bendix fuel injection system, resulting from reversed bending stresses caused by side-to-side forces. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

An engine failure at 4,000 ft MSL led to a forced landing on rolling farmland, causing both main landing gear to separate. The aircraft slid through a barbed wire fence and caught fire. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue failure of the idle set screw in the fuel injection system.

Incident Overview

While cruising at 4,000 feet MSL, the engine quit without warning. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on rolling farm terrain.

Forced Landing and Impact

During the landing, both main landing gear separated from the aircraft. The aircraft then slid through a barbed wire fence before coming to a stop.

Fire

Following the slide through the fence, the aircraft caught fire.

Metallurgical Examination

A metallurgical examination was conducted on the failed engine component. The examination revealed a fatigue failure of the idle set screw (part number 2424273-10) that controls the diaphragm setting in the Bendix fuel injection system. The stem of the screw failed as a result of reversed bending stresses caused by side-to-side forces. The source noted that this type of failure could not be explained, as the principal force applied to the adjustment screw would primarily be a twisting motion rather than a side-to-side applied force.

Probable cause

Fatigue failure of the idle set screw (P/N 2424273-10) in the Bendix fuel injection system, resulting from reversed bending stresses caused by side-to-side forces.
Maintenance errorStructural failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Jan 1983 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Monroe, WI?

An engine failure at 4,000 ft MSL led to a forced landing on rolling farmland, causing both main landing gear to separate. The aircraft slid through a barbed wire fence and caught fire. Metallurgical examination revealed fatigue failure of the idle set screw in the fuel injection system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Jan 1983 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N5818F, at Monroe, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fatigue failure of the idle set screw (P/N 2424273-10) in the Bendix fuel injection system, resulting from reversed bending stresses caused by side-to-side forces.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41941. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.