FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Avoids Pond by Climbing into Trees During Engine Failure (N4416X)

Taunton, MA, US

On March 2, 1985, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N4416X) was involved in an aviation accident near Taunton, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure during approach, which the pilot mitigated by climbing into tree tops to avoid a pond impact. 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 2026-06-20Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced intermittent engine power loss while approaching the airport. The pilot raised the nose to avoid a pond, resulting in a tree-top impact with no mechanical failure found.

What happened

The aircraft was approximately six miles from the airport when the engine unexpectedly lost power. As the aircraft began descending toward a nearby pond, there was a temporary surge of power before it failed again. Recognizing the imminent danger of entering the water, the pilot pulled back on the controls to raise the nose above the tree line. This maneuver allowed the aircraft to "mush" over the trees rather than crash directly into the pond. The aircraft subsequently contacted the tops of the trees at an upward angle.

The investigation

A thorough examination was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. Investigators verified that there were no pre-impact mechanical problems with the engine or airframe that would have contributed to the incident.

Probable cause

Engine failure during approach, which the pilot mitigated by climbing into tree tops to avoid a pond impact.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Mar 1985 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Taunton, MA?

An aircraft experienced intermittent engine power loss while approaching the airport. The pilot raised the nose to avoid a pond, resulting in a tree-top impact with no mechanical failure found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Mar 1985 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N4416X, at Taunton, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure during approach, which the pilot mitigated by climbing into tree tops to avoid a pond impact.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X36026. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.