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Engine Power Loss During Go-Around Leads to Wire Strike and Crash (N33458)

Oxford, MA, US

On February 27, 1983, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N33458) was involved in an aviation accident near Oxford, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to see and avoid an electric wire during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision. Contributing factors included engine power loss and maintenance discrepancies, although no mechanical failure was found. 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 2026-06-23Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced engine power loss during a go-around, leading the pilot to attempt a forced landing in an open field before striking an electric wire.

What happened

The incident occurred during a go-around maneuver when the engine began to lose power. The pilot elected to execute a forced landing in an open field. However, prior to touching down, the aircraft collided with an electric wire and subsequently crashed.

The investigation

An investigation was conducted to determine the cause of the accident. Investigators identified several maintenance discrepancies associated with the aircraft. Despite these findings, no part failure or mechanical malfunction was discovered that would explain the loss of power.

Findings

The pilot reported that he did not see the electric wire prior to impact. The collision with the wire occurred before the aircraft could complete the forced landing in the designated open field.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to see and avoid an electric wire during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision. Contributing factors included engine power loss and maintenance discrepancies, although no mechanical failure was found.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Feb 1983 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Oxford, MA?

An aircraft experienced engine power loss during a go-around, leading the pilot to attempt a forced landing in an open field before striking an electric wire.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Feb 1983 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N33458, at Oxford, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to see and avoid an electric wire during a go-around maneuver, which resulted in a collision. Contributing factors included engine power loss and maintenance discrepancies, although no mechanical failure was found.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42291. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.