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Pilot Reports Low Climb Performance and Smoke from Left Engine Before Maneuvering in Mountain Pass (N1494P)

Nellysford, VA, US

On April 19, 1993, a Piper PA-23-150 (registration N1494P) operated by Guckelberg, Frederich A. was involved in an aviation accident near Nellysford, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION AND PLANNING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ALTITUDE ADEQUATE FOR TERRAIN AVOIDANCE. 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 pilot conducting a VFR flight at 1,000 ft AGL over hilly terrain reported low climb performance and smoke from the left engine. After entering a mountain pass, the pilot made a sharp turn and witnesses saw the airplane descend nose-first.

Incident Overview

A pilot planned a visual flight rules (VFR) flight at an altitude of 1,000 ft above ground level (AGL) over hilly terrain. According to the pilot, climb performance was noticeably low and smoke was coming from the left engine. The pilot entered a mountain pass and discovered he could not find an exit from the high terrain. In response, the pilot made a sharp turn to maneuver away from the hills.

Witness Observations

Witnesses observed the airplane flying at low altitude. They reported that the airplane "started a turn to the left and then went straight down, nose first." The witnesses did not mention seeing plumes of black smoke or hearing abnormal engine sounds.

Engine Examination

An examination of the left engine revealed that one magneto was not functioning. Other than this issue, no anomalies were found that would have prevented the engine from running.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Apr 1993 Piper PA-23-150 accident near Nellysford, VA?

A pilot conducting a VFR flight at 1,000 ft AGL over hilly terrain reported low climb performance and smoke from the left engine. After entering a mountain pass, the pilot made a sharp turn and witnesses saw the airplane descend nose-first.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Apr 1993 involved a Piper PA-23-150, registration N1494P, operated by Guckelberg, Frederich A., at Nellysford, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT DECISION AND PLANNING, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AN ALTITUDE ADEQUATE FOR TERRAIN AVOIDANCE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12231. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.