Casualties unknown

Engine Problem and Stall Precede Downwind Landing and Post-Crash Fire (N6177J)

MT Pocono, PA, US

On August 2, 1990, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N6177J) was involved in an aviation accident near MT Pocono, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A HARD LANDING AFTER THE PILOT PERCEIVED AN ENGINE PROBLEM. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO CONTROL HIS AIRSPEED AND FLARE DURING THE EMERGENCY LANDING. 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 pilot reported an engine problem and stalled after takeoff. After attempting a downwind landing, the airplane touched down long, fast, and hard, then exited the runway into trees, rupturing a wing tank. A post-crash fire destroyed the airplane.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported an engine problem and subsequently stalled the airplane shortly after takeoff. The pilot then attempted to return for a landing, executing a downwind approach. The airplane touched down long, fast, and hard. Both the pilot and passengers confirmed that the airplane accelerated while on the ground. The pilot steered the airplane off the runway and into trees, where a wing tank was ruptured. The occupants evacuated the airplane, and a post-crash fire destroyed the airplane.

Post-Crash Examination

Following the accident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducted a post-crash examination of the airplane. The examination failed to find any evidence of a pre-existing mechanical failure or malfunction. Additionally, the FAA stated that they could find no mechanical explanation for the acceleration reported by the occupants.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X24099. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.