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Casualties unknown

Piper PA-28-140 Strikes Trees After Engine Power Loss (N1898J)

Flagstaff, AZ, US

On June 27, 1991, a Piper PA 28-140 (registration N1898J) operated by Henry N. Halle was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A rich mixture, combined with high altitude, resulting in a loss of engine power. 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

A Piper PA-28-140 lost engine power and collided with trees. Investigation found sooty spark plugs and an unlocked fuel primer, indicating a rich mixture that could have caused the power loss.

Accident Overview

A Piper PA-28-140 aircraft collided with trees following a loss of engine power. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage.

Examination Findings

During the examination, six of the eight spark plugs were found to have sooty dark electrodes. According to the engine manufacturer, such electrode appearance is indicative of a rich fuel mixture.

Fuel System

The aircraft's fuel primer was discovered in an unlocked position. The engine manufacturer stated that an unlocked primer could result in an over-primed or rich mixture.

Contributing Conditions

The combination of a rich mixture and high altitude could result in a loss of engine power, which is consistent with the reported power loss prior to the collision.

Probable cause

A rich mixture, combined with high altitude, resulting in a loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jun 1991 Piper PA 28-140 accident near Flagstaff, AZ?

A Piper PA-28-140 lost engine power and collided with trees. Investigation found sooty spark plugs and an unlocked fuel primer, indicating a rich mixture that could have caused the power loss.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jun 1991 involved a Piper PA 28-140, registration N1898J, operated by Henry N. Halle, at Flagstaff, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A rich mixture, combined with high altitude, resulting in a loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17329. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.