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Engine Failure and Runway Excursion During Night Forced Landing (N4175R)

Excelsor Sprgs, MO, US

On July 4, 1989, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N4175R) operated by David E. Gardner was involved in an aviation accident near Excelsor Sprgs, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft had not been properly inspected and was not airworthy; the engine failure was indicative of a connecting rod, rod end, or rod bolt failure with a resultant hole in the engine case. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During descent, oil covered the windscreen and engine power was lost. The pilot attempted a night forced landing at an airport 45 miles northeast of the destination, but lost directional control and the aircraft careened off the runway into rough terrain, tearing a wing.

Incident Overview

The pilot departed DuPage Airport in Chicago, Illinois, en route to Kansas City Downtown Airport. During descent from cruise altitude, the pilot reported that oil covered the windscreen and engine power was lost. The pilot attempted a night forced landing at an airport located approximately 45 miles northeast of the intended destination.

Loss of Control and Runway Excursion

During the landing roll, directional control of the aircraft was lost. The aircraft careened off the hard-surfaced runway into rough and uneven terrain, which tore a wing from its attachment point.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the aircraft and its records revealed that it had not been properly inspected and was not airworthy for the flight. The engine failure appeared to be indicative of a connecting rod, rod end, or rod bolt failure, with a resultant hole in the engine case.

Probable cause

The aircraft had not been properly inspected and was not airworthy; the engine failure was indicative of a connecting rod, rod end, or rod bolt failure with a resultant hole in the engine case.
Engine failureMaintenance error

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Piper PA-32 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Jul 1989 Piper PA-32-300 accident near Excelsor Sprgs, MO?

During descent, oil covered the windscreen and engine power was lost. The pilot attempted a night forced landing at an airport 45 miles northeast of the destination, but lost directional control and the aircraft careened off the runway into rough terrain, tearing a wing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Jul 1989 involved a Piper PA-32-300, registration N4175R, operated by David E. Gardner, at Excelsor Sprgs, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft had not been properly inspected and was not airworthy; the engine failure was indicative of a connecting rod, rod end, or rod bolt failure with a resultant hole in the engine case.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28928. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.