Casualties unknown

Fuel Line Separation Results in Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N8548P)

Aliceville, AL, US

On October 2, 1992, a Piper PA-24-260 (registration N8548P) operated by Pickering And Mckinney was involved in an aviation accident near Aliceville, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: MAINTENANCE PERSONNEL'S FAILURE TO PROPERLY SECURE THE FUEL LINE FROM THE FUEL PUMP TO THE FUEL INJECTOR DURING THE ENGINE INSTALLATION, WHICH RESULTED IN A COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. 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
Aircraft registered N8548P
Aircraft registered N8548P. Photo: Acroterion / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power 30 minutes into a flight. Emergency procedures failed, leading to a forced landing with substantial damage. Investigation found a separated fuel line at the fuel injector.

Accident Details

According to the pilot, a preflight inspection was completed without any noted problems. The takeoff and climb to 5,500 feet were reported as normal. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. The emergency procedure to restore engine power was unsuccessful, prompting the pilot to initiate an emergency descent and perform a forced landing. The airplane sustained substantial damage during the landing.

Investigation Findings

Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel line between the fuel pump and fuel injector had separated at the fuel injector. A review of the maintenance log disclosed that the airplane had undergone a 100-hour inspection and an engine installation 5 hours prior to the accident. No other maintenance problems were noted during the examination.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15806. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.