Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Leads to Wheels-Up Landing in Corn Field (N4504Q)

Holyoke, CO, US

On August 5, 1992, a Cessna 402A (registration N4504Q) operated by Capital Aviation Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Holyoke, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO FEATHER THE FAILED ENGINE PROPELLER. A FACTOR WAS: POWER LOSS FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. 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

On an air taxi flight, the right engine lost power near the departure end of the runway. The pilot conducted a wheels-up landing in a corn field. Investigation found no evidence of propeller feathering or fuel contamination.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot of an air taxi flight, the right engine lost power at approximately the time the airplane crossed the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported that he had retracted the landing gear and initiated propeller feather. Subsequently, the airplane executed a wheels-up landing in a corn field.

Landing Details

The landing occurred approximately 140 feet from the departure end of the runway and 400 feet to the right of the runway centerline. The airplane came to rest in the corn field with the landing gear retracted.

Examination Findings

A visual examination of the propeller provided no evidence of propeller feathering. The propeller control was found in the full increase RPM position. The pilot stated that he had refueled the airplane at the airport the day before the incident and suspected fuel contamination.

Laboratory Tests

Fuel samples were submitted to three different and independent laboratories. No anomalies were reported in the fuel analysis.

Engine Inspection

The engine was partially disassembled and examined. No discrepancies were noted during the inspection.

Summary

The incident involved an air taxi flight that experienced a right engine power loss near the departure end of the runway. The pilot performed a wheels-up landing in a corn field. Subsequent investigations, including visual examination of the propeller, fuel sample analysis from three independent laboratories, and partial engine disassembly, did not reveal any evidence of propeller feathering, fuel contamination, or engine discrepancies.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15382. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.