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Casualties unknown

Partial Power Landing Attempt Ends in Impact with Power Lines and Corn Field (N56430)

Edgewater, MD, US

On April 17, 1993, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N56430) operated by International Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Edgewater, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision after selecting the wrong runway for a precautionary landing , which resulted in an inadvertent descent into transmission lines, while attempting to maneuver back to 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 partial power, received vectors, attempted a landing, initiated a go-around, then impacted power lines and a corn field. Investigation revealed a fractured exhaust valve due to fatigue cracking, and non-compliance with service bulletins.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported to air traffic control that he had only 'partial power.' He received vectors to the closest airport. A witness, who was a certified flight instructor, saw the airplane and heard the pilot transmit that he would be making a 'partial power landing downwind on runway 12.' The witness reported that the winds were 'stiff' and favoring the opposite runway.

Sequence of Events

The airplane made an approach over runway 12, and then the pilot announced that he was 'going around.' The airplane was then observed to climb, banked steeply to the left, turned back towards the airport, descended, and impacted power lines and a corn field.

Engine Examination

An examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 exhaust valve had fractured as a result of fatigue cracking. Service Bulletins recommending the inspection and replacement of the valve were not complied with.

Engine failureStructural failure

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Apr 1993 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Edgewater, MD?

A pilot reported partial power, received vectors, attempted a landing, initiated a go-around, then impacted power lines and a corn field. Investigation revealed a fractured exhaust valve due to fatigue cracking, and non-compliance with service bulletins.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N56430, operated by International Aviation, Inc., at Edgewater, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision after selecting the wrong runway for a precautionary landing , which resulted in an inadvertent descent into transmission lines, while attempting to maneuver back to the runway. Factors related to the accident were fatigue failure of the number 4 exhaust valve, and…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12078. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.