Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over During Forced Landing After Power Loss (N1144A)

Fort Hall, ID, US

On June 25, 1983, a Piper PA-18-125 (registration N1144A) was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Hall, ID. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a descent to an airport, the engine lost power. Emergency start procedures failed, leading to a forced landing in a grain field. The aircraft nosed over during rollout. The pilot later found a dirty fuel screen and water in the fuel.

Incident Summary

An aircraft experienced a power loss during a descent to an airport, prompting a forced landing in a grain field. During the landing rollout, the aircraft nosed over.

Details from Pilot

The pilot reported that the engine suddenly lost power while descending to the airport. Attempts to restart the engine using emergency procedures were unsuccessful, necessitating a forced landing in a grain field. As the aircraft rolled out, it nosed over.

Post-Accident Findings

After the accident, the pilot discovered a dirty fuel screen. The aircraft had been parked on the ground for a week and a half with fuel tanks only half full. The pilot also found water in the fuel. He stated that he had drained some fuel prior to takeoff but had not used a strainer to visually check for water contamination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43550. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.