On July 30, 1985, a Piper PA-22 (registration N5430Z) was involved in an aviation accident near Boulder, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine's failure to develop sufficient power to sustain flight during the approach, resulting in a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made a forced landing in a field near Boulder Municipal Airport after the aircraft engine failed to develop sufficient power during a VFR approach.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a visual flight rules (VFR) approach toward Boulder Municipal Airport in Boulder, Colorado. During the final phase of the approach, the aircraft engine failed to generate adequate power to maintain controlled flight. Unable to continue the approach or reach the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing in an adjacent agricultural field.
The investigation
Post-accident examination confirmed that the aircraft sustained substantial damage during the impact with the ground. No mechanical anomalies were reported by the pilot prior to the loss of power other than the inability to sustain flight.
Findings
The occupants of the aircraft were not injured. The primary factor contributing to the incident was the engine's failure to develop sufficient power during the critical approach phase.
Probable cause
The engine's failure to develop sufficient power to sustain flight during the approach, resulting in a forced landing.
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