Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Failure Due to Blocked Fuel Strainer (N8507P)

Nashville, AR, US

On July 25, 1991, a Piper PA-24-400 (registration N8507P) operated by Stephan P. Schipper was involved in an aviation accident near Nashville, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel starvation due to a blocked finger fuel strainer in the fuel servo unit by an unspecified contaminant. 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 private pilot en route to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, experienced a rough-running engine and subsequent engine stoppage due to fuel starvation from a blocked finger fuel strainer, leading to a hard forced landing in rolling terrain.

Event Description

A private pilot was flying towards Oshkosh, Wisconsin, making an intermediate refueling stop when he observed an abnormally low fuel flow, followed by a rough running engine. The pilot initiated emergency procedures in an attempt to restore normal engine operation, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The engine then stopped completely, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing. The only area clear of high vegetation was selected for the landing. The aircraft touched down hard in rolling terrain.

Cause of Engine Stoppage

An investigation determined that the engine stoppage resulted from fuel starvation caused by a blocked finger fuel strainer located within the fuel servo unit. The blockage was attributed to an unspecified contaminant.

Probable cause

Fuel starvation due to a blocked finger fuel strainer in the fuel servo unit by an unspecified contaminant.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17561. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.