Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Turbulence and Lost Power on Approach After Mixture Control Disturbance (N5855W)

New Carlisle, OH, US

On April 24, 1994, a Piper PA-28-160 (registration N5855W) operated by Reichel, Roland J. was involved in an aviation accident near New Carlisle, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inattention to the mixture control which was inadvertently placed in the idle cut-off position by the passenger and resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor is the pilot's inadequate planning. 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 on final approach encountered turbulence and sudden altitude loss at 200 feet. Adding power did not suffice; the airplane landed short, hitting a fence and road. No mechanical issues found; the pilot attributed insufficient power to the mixture control being accidentally pulled by a headset cable.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while on final approach to the runway, he experienced turbulence and a sudden loss of altitude approximately 200 feet above the ground. In response, he added power but was unable to generate sufficient thrust to reach the runway. The airplane subsequently landed short, impacting a fence and an elevated road.

Post-Event Examination

An examination of the airplane revealed no pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. The aircraft had no known defects that could have contributed to the loss of power.

Pilot Statement

The pilot stated that the engine's inability to produce enough power was due to the mixture control being accidentally pulled out by a headset cable. He also reported that he had checked the mixture control during the base and final approach legs, implying that the disturbance occurred later or went unnoticed during those checks.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the interaction of cockpit equipment with flight controls, though no official cause has been determined beyond the pilot's account.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1994 Piper PA-28-160 accident near New Carlisle, OH?

A pilot on final approach encountered turbulence and sudden altitude loss at 200 feet. Adding power did not suffice; the airplane landed short, hitting a fence and road. No mechanical issues found; the pilot attributed insufficient power to the mixture control being accidentally pulled by a headset cable.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1994 involved a Piper PA-28-160, registration N5855W, operated by Reichel, Roland J., at New Carlisle, OH.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inattention to the mixture control which was inadvertently placed in the idle cut-off position by the passenger and resulted in a loss of engine power. A factor is the pilot's inadequate planning.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X01056. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.