Casualties unknown

Inadvertent Propeller Feathering Leads to Loss of Control and Collision with Terrain (N2142P)

Fairfield, AZ, US

On March 5, 1994, a Piper PA-23-180 (registration N2142P) operated by Proflight was involved in an aviation accident near Fairfield, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR'S INADVERTENT MOVEMENT OF THE LEFT ENGINE PROPELLER CONTROL INTO THE FEATHER POSITION, HIS DECISION TO BY-PASS SUITABLE LANDING SITES IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESTART THE LEFT ENGINE AS THE AIRCRAFT ENERGY AND PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A CFI accidentally feathered the left engine propeller during a training flight, bypassed suitable landing sites, and lost control while attempting restart, resulting in a collision with hilly terrain.

Accident Overview

During a training flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) was preparing a second pilot for a multiengine CFI check ride. After completing a touch-and-go landing, the airplane climbed to between 200 and 300 feet above ground level (AGL). The CFI intended to retard the left engine's throttle but inadvertently retarded the left engine's propeller control into the feather detent.

Maneuvering and Descent

The CFI maneuvered the airplane while attempting to restart the left engine. During this time, the aircraft bypassed several suitable landing sites and ended up overflying hilly terrain as it continued a gradual descent.

Loss of Control and Impact

The pilot lost control of the airplane as the airspeed decreased. The aircraft rolled to the left and collided with hilly terrain.

Post-Accident Examination

The left engine and propeller combination was removed from the aircraft and installed in an engine test cell. The engine, propeller, and propeller governor were found to function normally throughout their normal operating ranges.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00926. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.