Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Engine Power Loss Before Hard Landing and Rollover (N5435Y)

Sod, WV, US

On August 31, 1991, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N5435Y) operated by Arthur G. Maloone was involved in an aviation accident near Sod, WV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE IMPROPER LEVEL OFF WHICH RESULTED IN A HARD LANDING. CONTRIBUTING WAS FUEL STARVATION RESULTING IN PARTIAL 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot radioed ATC about losing power in one engine. ATC lost contact soon after. Witnesses saw the airplane circle and land in a field, where it landed hard and rolled over, collapsing the fuselage. Post-accident examination found fuel in the right engine components but none in the left, and propeller damage.

Accident Summary

While en route, the pilot notified air traffic control that he had experienced a loss of power in one of the engines. Shortly after this transmission, air traffic control lost radio communication with the pilot.

Witnesses observed the airplane circling before it descended and landed in a field. The landing was hard, causing the aircraft to roll over. The fuselage collapsed as a result of the impact and rollover.

Examination Findings

An examination of the airplane revealed rotational damage to the right propeller, while the left propeller exhibited relatively no damage. Inspection of the right engine disclosed the presence of fuel in the fuel pump and fuel injector unit. In contrast, the same components in the left engine were devoid of fuel.

The fuel tanks sustained leakage due to the damage, which prevented investigators from determining the amount of fuel onboard at the time of the accident. No further information regarding the cause of the power loss was available from the examination.

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.