On May 30, 1985, a Piper PA-28-235 (registration N8966W) was involved in an aviation accident near Batavia, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power, with no mechanical failure found. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a complete loss of power during the initial climb phase, resulting in a forced landing just short of the departure runway. No mechanical defects were found upon inspection.
What happened
The aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing that occurred immediately following a loss of power while climbing after takeoff. The pilot reported that at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine quit operating. A forced landing was executed 100 yards short of the end of runway 28.
The investigation
A thorough inspection of the aircraft and its engine was conducted to determine the cause of the power loss. This examination failed to disclose any mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have resulted in the loss of power.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power, with no mechanical failure found.
What happened in the 30 May 1985 Piper PA-28-235 accident near Batavia, NY?
An aircraft experienced a complete loss of power during the initial climb phase, resulting in a forced landing just short of the departure runway. No mechanical defects were found upon inspection.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 May 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-235, registration N8966W, at Batavia, NY.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to maintain control of the airplane during an emergency landing following a loss of engine power, with no mechanical failure found.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…