Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Instructional Flight Results in Off-Airport Landing (N4101E)

Casa Grande, AZ, US

On October 28, 1987, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration N4101E) operated by Chandler Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Casa Grande, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an instructional flight, the engine lost power. The instructor performed a forced landing on a dirt road, where the aircraft collided with a terrain rise. Post-accident examination found low idle RPM and slightly lean mixture.

Event Summary

An instructional flight was in progress when the student pilot was performing climbs, descents, and turns. During these maneuvers, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost power. The flight instructor immediately assumed control of the aircraft. Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The instructor executed a forced landing onto a dirt road. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with a rise in the terrain.

Engine Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the engine was conducted. The engine was found to run normally under various conditions. However, two anomalies were noted: the idle speed was 500 RPM, which is slightly low, and the idle mixture appeared to be slightly lean. No other discrepancies were reported.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32372. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.