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Forced Landing Following Engine Seizure on First Flight of Rebuilt Engine (N9130A)

Gallup, NM, US

On February 23, 1990, a Cessna 170A (registration N9130A) operated by Frank D. Scott was involved in an aviation accident near Gallup, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE ENGINE DURING PREFLIGHT PREPARATION, WHICH RESULTED IN OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE AND DAMAGE TO INTERNAL COMPONENTS. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft struck a ditch during a forced landing after the engine seized during initial climb. The flight was the first on a newly rebuilt engine, and subsequent examination revealed lean mixture evidence and scuffed cylinders.

Accident Description

The aircraft encountered an engine seizure during the initial climb after takeoff, prompting a forced landing. During this landing, the aircraft struck a ditch. This flight was the first operation of a newly rebuilt engine.

Preflight Engine Activity

Prior to the accident flight, the engine had been run on the ground. The pilot conducted three full-power static runs before departing.

Post-Accident Examination

An FAA inspector examined the engine following the accident. The inspection revealed that the spark plugs from cylinders number 1, 3, and 5 showed evidence of having operated with a lean mixture. Additionally, cylinders number 3 and 5 were scuffed, and metal from the pistons had transferred to the cylinder walls.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 23 Feb 1990 Cessna 170A accident near Gallup, NM?

An aircraft struck a ditch during a forced landing after the engine seized during initial climb. The flight was the first on a newly rebuilt engine, and subsequent examination revealed lean mixture evidence and scuffed cylinders.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 23 Feb 1990 involved a Cessna 170A, registration N9130A, operated by Frank D. Scott, at Gallup, NM.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER OPERATION OF THE ENGINE DURING PREFLIGHT PREPARATION, WHICH RESULTED IN OVERHEATING OF THE ENGINE AND DAMAGE TO INTERNAL COMPONENTS.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22554. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.