No fatalities

Pilot Reports Power Loss, Executes Go-Around After Landing Long, Strikes Fences (N7250F)

Atwater, CA, US

On August 29, 1992, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7250F) operated by Central Valley Skyways was involved in an aviation accident near Atwater, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE PILOTS FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT BACK ON THE RUNWAY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 reported an uncommanded power reduction to 2,000 RPM during initial climb, performed a 180-degree turn and landed downwind on the opposite runway, but touched down long and subsequently struck two coral fences after a go-around.

Introduction

A pilot reported an incident involving an engine power reduction during initial climb. The flight departed from Runway 30 and, at about 900 feet, the engine power level smoothly reduced to approximately 2,000 RPM. The pilot noted that there was no roughness associated with the power loss. Concerned about the terrain ahead, the pilot elected to perform a 180-degree turn and land downwind on Runway 12.

Landing and Go-Around

During the landing attempt, the aircraft touched down about two-thirds of the way down the runway. The pilot believed the aircraft could not be stopped before colliding with a fence at the runway end. In response, she added all available power, and the aircraft lifted off and cleared the fence. However, the aircraft then settled back to the ground and collided with two coral fences approximately one-quarter of a mile beyond the end of the runway.

Wind Conditions

The pilot reported that the winds at the time were from about 310 degrees at about 10 knots.

Post-Accident Examination

FAA airworthiness inspectors examined the engine and airframe but did not find evidence to explain the reported loss of power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Aug 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Atwater, CA?

A pilot reported an uncommanded power reduction to 2,000 RPM during initial climb, performed a 180-degree turn and landed downwind on the opposite runway, but touched down long and subsequently struck two coral fences after a go-around.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Aug 1992 Piper PA-28-140 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Aug 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7250F, operated by Central Valley Skyways, at Atwater, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS AND THE PILOTS FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING ATTEMPT BACK ON THE RUNWAY. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE THE TAIL WIND CONDITION ENCOUNTERED DURING THE LANDING ATTEMPT AND THE SHORT NATURE OF THE RUNWAY.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15463. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.