Casualties unknown

Aircraft Power Loss Leads to Tree Impact After Takeoff (N3856E)

Onida, SD, US

On June 19, 1986, a Piper PA-36 (registration N3856E) was involved in an aviation accident near Onida, SD. 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

A pilot reported a partial power loss before liftoff, continued takeoff, then lost power again airborne. Load was dumped but altitude insufficient; aircraft struck trees near airport. Inspection found tuliped valves and magneto crossfiring.

Incident Overview

A pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power momentarily before liftoff. Despite the power reduction, the takeoff was continued. Once airborne, the power loss reoccurred. The pilot dumped the load in an attempt to maintain flight, but the aircraft could not sustain sufficient altitude and impacted trees approximately 1 mile from the airport.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the accident, an inspection of the engine revealed that the intake valves on cylinders #2 and #8 were tuliped and would not close. Additionally, the outlet tower blocks on the magneto for cylinders #2, #6, and #8 were crossfiring, which resulted in pre-ignition to those cylinders.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33841. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.