Casualties unknown

Instructor Regains Control After Partial Power Loss During Training Flight (N9811C)

Greeley, CO, US

On November 18, 1991, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N9811C) operated by P.c. Flyers was involved in an aviation accident near Greeley, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Partial engine power loss during initial climb followed by a hard landing on soft, plowed ground causing the nose gear to collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A certified flight instructor took control of the aircraft following a partial power loss during initial climb after touch-and-go landings, landing safely in a field before the nose gear collapsed.

What happened

The incident occurred during a training session involving multiple touch-and-go landings. Following one such takeoff, the aircraft experienced a loss of partial engine power while in the initial climb phase. The pilot was unable to maintain flight altitude, prompting the certified flight instructor to assume control of the aircraft. The instructor successfully executed an emergency landing in an adjacent field.

During the landing roll, the aircraft encountered a freshly plowed area characterized by soft soil conditions. The ground surface caused the nose gear to collapse, resulting in the airplane nosing over. No further details regarding injuries or specific damage extent were provided in the source text.

The investigation

The available source material does not contain specific investigative findings regarding the mechanical cause of the power loss or the structural integrity of the landing gear beyond the observed nose-over event.

Probable cause

Partial engine power loss during initial climb followed by a hard landing on soft, plowed ground causing the nose gear to collapse.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Nov 1991 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Greeley, CO?

A certified flight instructor took control of the aircraft following a partial power loss during initial climb after touch-and-go landings, landing safely in a field before the nose gear collapsed.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Nov 1991 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N9811C, operated by P.c. Flyers, at Greeley, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Partial engine power loss during initial climb followed by a hard landing on soft, plowed ground causing the nose gear to collapse.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X18439. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.