Casualties unknown

Piper crashes during go-around at Cheney Farm Field due to engine malfunction (N5502Z)

Argyle, NY, US

On November 1, 1987, a Piper PA-22-108 (registration N5502Z) operated by David Chaney was involved in an aviation accident near Argyle, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine backfire and missing during go-around maneuver due to carburetor icing. 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 Piper aircraft experienced an engine backfire and missing during a go-around maneuver at Cheney Farm Field, resulting in a crash landing in a pasture where the plane flipped over.

What happened

The flight was returning to Cheney Farm Field for landing when the pilot came in too high and fast. He added power, banked left and started a go around. At this time the engine backfired and started missing. During the emergency landing in a pasture the aircraft touched down short of a fence and flipped over.

The investigation

The PLTS recommendation for prevention was earlier detection of carb icing.

Findings

The pilot came in too high and fast. He added power, banked left and started a go around. At this time the engine backfired and started missing. During the emergency landing in a pasture the aircraft touched down short of a fence and flipped over.

Probable cause

Engine backfire and missing during go-around maneuver due to carburetor icing

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32612. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.