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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Takeoff Leads to Runway Excursion (N8431F)

Willimantic, CT, US

On November 18, 1992, a Piper PA-28-151 (registration N8431F) operated by Windham Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Willimantic, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A CRACKED NO. 2 ENGINE CYLINDER, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE FORCED LANDING, DUE TO EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN OVERRUN OF THE RUNWAY. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot experienced an engine power loss during takeoff. After turning back for a downwind landing, the aircraft overran the runway, rolled onto wet grass, and collided with a fence. Investigation found a cracked cylinder head near a weld repair.

Accident Overview

A student pilot reported that the engine lost power during the takeoff roll. Partial power remained available, prompting the pilot to initiate a 180-degree turn and attempt a downwind landing on the same runway. The airplane touched down at the far end of the runway at a speed of 70 knots with a 10 mph tailwind. It subsequently overran the runway end, continued onto wet grass, and slid into a fence.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane revealed a crack in the No. 2 cylinder head located near a weld repair. The source of the weld repair could not be determined during the investigation.

Additional Details

No other factors were identified in the source material. The aircraft's type, registration, and other specific details were not provided. There is no mention of injuries or damage extent beyond the fence collision and the aircraft rolling onto wet grass.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 18 Nov 1992 Piper PA-28-151 accident near Willimantic, CT?

A student pilot experienced an engine power loss during takeoff. After turning back for a downwind landing, the aircraft overran the runway, rolled onto wet grass, and collided with a fence. Investigation found a cracked cylinder head near a weld repair.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 18 Nov 1992 involved a Piper PA-28-151, registration N8431F, operated by Windham Aviation, Inc., at Willimantic, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A CRACKED NO. 2 ENGINE CYLINDER, AND THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ATTAIN THE PROPER TOUCHDOWN POINT DURING THE FORCED LANDING, DUE TO EXCESSIVE AIRSPEED, WHICH RESULTED IN AN OVERRUN OF THE RUNWAY. A FACTOR RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WAS AN IMPROPER WELD REPAIR ON THE NO. 2 CYLINDER.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15999. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.