Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Failure During Initial Climb (N2520U)

San Carlos, CA, US

On September 27, 1991, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N2520U) operated by Donald Landen was involved in an aviation accident near San Carlos, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the engine's number 3 intake valve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a forced landing after the engine lost total power during initial climb following maintenance. An FAA inspection found a failed intake valve.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that an airplane experienced an engine failure shortly after departure. The flight was the first since the replacement of several major engine components. After a successful run-up, the aircraft departed the airfield. During the initial climb at approximately 100 feet above ground level, the engine began to run rough and then lost total power. The pilot executed a forced landing to a wet, muddy area. The aircraft came to a sudden stop in the muddy terrain.

Post-Incident Examination

An examination conducted by an FAA inspector determined that the engine's number 3 intake valve had failed. The specific mode of failure could not be determined during the inspection.

Additional Details

The source did not specify the aircraft type, registration, engine count, date, operator, location, number of occupants, injuries, or extent of damage. No information about weather conditions or ATC involvement was provided.

Probable cause

Failure of the engine's number 3 intake valve.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Sept 1991 Piper PA-28-161 accident near San Carlos, CA?

A pilot performed a forced landing after the engine lost total power during initial climb following maintenance. An FAA inspection found a failed intake valve.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Sept 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N2520U, operated by Donald Landen, at San Carlos, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Failure of the engine's number 3 intake valve.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18136. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.