On October 31, 1987, a Piper J5A (registration N32887) operated by Jackson, Carl F. was involved in an aviation accident near Devils Lake, ND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A commercial pilot lost engine power during a training maneuver over a waterfowl production lake, resulting in an emergency landing with no mechanical failures found.
What happened
A commercial pilot was conducting flight instruction for another individual holding a commercial pilot certificate and a certified flight instructor (CFI) rating. Witnesses on the ground observed the aircraft flying at an altitude of approximately 100 feet over a waterfowl production lake. During the maneuver, which involved a turn followed by a pull-up, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing in the lake.
The investigation
Following the incident, investigators examined the aircraft to determine the cause of the power loss. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were found during the examination.