Casualties unknown

Forced Landing on Dirt Road After Engine Power Loss (N8125H)

Grafton, ND, US

On October 8, 1986, a Piper PA-32R-301T (registration N8125H) was involved in an aviation accident near Grafton, ND. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a forced landing on a dirt road after an engine power loss shortly after takeoff. The landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, and the left wing struck a mailbox during rollout.

Incident Overview

Shortly after takeoff, the pilot reported a loss of engine power and executed a forced landing on a dirt road. During the landing, the pilot extended the landing gear, but the aircraft touched down before the gear locked. The left main landing gear subsequently collapsed. As the aircraft rolled out, the left wing struck a mailbox.

Post-Accident Inspection

Following the incident, an inspection of the aircraft revealed a gummy residue on the turbo waste gate control, which prevented the development of full power. Additionally, the tires were found to be under-inflated, resulting in higher frictional drag. The pilot noted that the takeoff ground roll was not abnormally long.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Oct 1986 Piper PA-32R-301T accident near Grafton, ND?

A pilot performed a forced landing on a dirt road after an engine power loss shortly after takeoff. The landing gear collapsed upon touchdown, and the left wing struck a mailbox during rollout.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Oct 1986 involved a Piper PA-32R-301T, registration N8125H, at Grafton, ND.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34952. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.