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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure and Ditching in the Ohio River (N8071)

Ashland, KY, US

On July 25, 1991, a Cessna 177RG (registration N8071) operated by National Aviation Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Ashland, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following an unexpected loss of engine power during climb, which resulted in a ditching in the Ohio River. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure with the engine. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss shortly after takeoff while climbing through 300 feet above ground level. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and, having passed the point of no return for a safe landing, executed a water ditching in the Ohio River.

What happened

The aircraft was operating in the climb phase, shortly after takeoff, when it encountered a sudden loss of engine power. At the time of the incident, the airplane was climbing through an altitude of 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful in restoring power.

Assessing the situation, the pilot determined that the aircraft was beyond gliding distance to any suitable landing site. Consequently, the decision was made to ditch the airplane in the underlying waters of the Ohio River.

The investigation

A thorough examination was conducted to determine the cause of the engine failure. The investigation did not disclose any mechanical defects within the engine that could account for the power loss.

Fuel quantity checks revealed that there were approximately 15 gallons of fuel remaining in each tank at the time of the incident.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following an unexpected loss of engine power during climb, which resulted in a ditching in the Ohio River. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure with the engine.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 1991 Cessna 177RG accident near Ashland, KY?

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss shortly after takeoff while climbing through 300 feet above ground level. The pilot was unable to restart the engine and, having passed the point of no return for a safe landing, executed a water ditching in the Ohio River.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 1991 involved a Cessna 177RG, registration N8071, operated by National Aviation Inc., at Ashland, KY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain control of the aircraft following an unexpected loss of engine power during climb, which resulted in a ditching in the Ohio River. The investigation found no evidence of mechanical failure with the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.