1992-08-03: Piper PA-25-235 — Neil James — Karval, CO

Casualties unknown • Karval, CO, US

Probable cause

AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION. A FACTOR WAS: LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

WHILE IN LOW LEVEL CRUISE AFTER TAKEOFF ON A AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, A MECHANICAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT CONDUCTED A FORCED LANDING ON A HILLSIDE IN MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN. A POST IMPACT FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRCRAFT. THE POWER LOSS WAS DUE TO LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-08-03 Piper PA-25-235 accident near Karval, CO?

WHILE IN LOW LEVEL CRUISE AFTER TAKEOFF ON A AERIAL APPLICATION FLIGHT, A MECHANICAL LOSS OF POWER OCCURRED. THE PILOT CONDUCTED A FORCED LANDING ON A HILLSIDE IN MOUNTAINOUS/HILLY TERRAIN. A POST IMPACT FIRE DESTROYED THE AIRCRAFT. THE POWER LOSS WAS DUE TO LOSS OF ENGINE OIL AS A RESULT OF IMPROPER MAINTENANCE.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-08-03 involved a Piper PA-25-235, registration N8635L, operated by Neil James, at Karval, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN ENGINE FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER MAINTENANCE INSTALLATION. A FACTOR WAS: LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15386. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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