Casualties unknown

Pilot Executes Emergency Landing After Engine Failure During Night Flight (N5418F)

Englewood, CO, US

On August 31, 1985, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N5418F) was involved in an aviation accident near Englewood, CO. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after a 1-hour-15-minute night flight with half-full tanks, the engine ran rough and quit, leading to an emergency landing in a field.

Accident Overview

According to the pilot's statement following the accident, the aircraft departed on a local night flight with approximately half-full fuel tanks. The pilot reported that during the flight, fuel was consumed from the left fuel tank.

Flight and Engine Malfunction

After approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes of flight, as the pilot was returning to the airport, the engine began running rough. The pilot stated that he then switched the fuel selector to the right fuel tank. When there was no change in engine performance, he switched the selector back to the left tank moments later.

Emergency Landing

Shortly thereafter, the engine quit. The pilot executed an emergency landing in an open field. The aircraft sustained damage during the landing. No further details were provided regarding the extent of damage or any injuries.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1985 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Englewood, CO?

A pilot reported that after a 1-hour-15-minute night flight with half-full tanks, the engine ran rough and quit, leading to an emergency landing in a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1985 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N5418F, at Englewood, CO.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37458. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.