FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Forced Landing in an Alfalfa Field After Left Engine Failure (N4231P)

Odell, IL, US

On August 16, 1990, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N4231P) was involved in an aviation accident near Odell, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A LOSS OF LEFT ENGINE POWER DUE TO OIL ACCUMULATION IN THE RIGHT MAGNETO AND A NON-USABLE SPARK LEAD FROM THE LEFT MAGNETO. 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 made a forced landing in an alfalfa field after the left engine failed due to oil in the magneto and a damaged spark plug lead. The right engine's intake duct was also found deteriorated.

Incident Overview During flight, the left engine began running rough and vibrating severely, prompting the pilot to shut it down. Unable to maintain altitude on the right engine, the pilot executed a forced landing in an alfalfa field. ## Mechanical Findings Examination of the left engine revealed that the right magneto had an accumulation of oil inside its case. Additionally, the spark plug lead from the left magneto for the #1 cylinder was internally damaged. ## Right Engine Condition Examination of the right engine showed that the intake duct between the air filter and the carburetor was deteriorated from exposure to hot exhaust pipes. A 3' x 1/2' piece of the duct had separated and was found caught on the carburetor venturi.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23931. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.