Casualties unknown

1987-07-20: Piper PA-25-235 (N8972Y) — Marne, MI

Marne, MI, US

On July 20, 1987, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8972Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Marne, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Malfunction damage to the engine drive train gears, severe enough to cause total loss of power. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An agricultural aircraft experienced a sudden engine power loss during a turn. The pilot extended the glide to clear powerlines but flared with insufficient airspeed, resulting in a hard landing, collapsed landing gear, and nose-over. Investigation found severe gear damage in the engine drive train.

Incident Overview

During an agricultural swath run, an aircraft was approximately one-third of the way through its procedure turn when the engine suddenly lost power. The pilot extended the glide to clear nearby powerlines, but upon flaring to land, the airspeed was insufficient to arrest the descent. The aircraft impacted the ground hard, causing the main landing gear to collapse and the aircraft to nose over.

Investigation Findings

Post-incident examination of the engine revealed malfunction damage to the engine drive train gears. The damage was severe enough to result in a total loss of engine power. Additionally, the aircraft was operating on autogas (automotive gasoline) without a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) approval.

Operational Details

The flight was conducted as part of agricultural spraying operations. The specific aircraft type, registration, operator, and location were not documented in the available source. No information was provided regarding occupants, injuries, time of day, weather conditions, or air traffic control involvement.

Probable cause

Malfunction damage to the engine drive train gears, severe enough to cause total loss of power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X31422. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.