Engine power loss leads to aircraft rollover in field

Casualties unknown • Sod, WV, US

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss during flight, resulting in a hard landing and fuselage collapse after circling a field.

What happened

While en route, the pilot contacted air traffic control to report that the aircraft had lost power in one of its engines. Shortly after this transmission, air traffic control lost all radio contact with the pilot.

Witnesses observed the airplane circling before it descended into a field. The aircraft made a hard landing and subsequently rolled over, which caused the fuselage to collapse.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft revealed rotational damage on the right propeller, while the left propeller showed relatively no damage. Investigators inspected the engines and found that fuel was present in both the fuel pump and the fuel injector unit of the right engine. In contrast, these same components of the left engine were found to be absent of fuel. Due to fuel leakage from the tanks caused by the impact damage, investigators could not determine the exact amount of fuel on board at the time of the accident.

Probable cause

The absence of fuel in the left engine's fuel pump and injector unit led to the loss of power in one engine.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1991-08-31 Piper PA-23-250 accident near Sod, WV?

An aircraft experienced an engine power loss during flight, resulting in a hard landing and fuselage collapse after circling a field.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1991-08-31 involved a Piper PA-23-250, registration N5435Y, operated by Arthur G. Maloone, at Sod, WV.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The absence of fuel in the left engine's fuel pump and injector unit led to the loss of power in one engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17781. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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