Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss and Nose Gear Collapse in Single-Engine Landing (N5272A)

West Chicago, IL, US

On September 30, 1994, a Piper PA-23-160 (registration N5272A) was involved in an aviation accident near West Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to use the manual hydraulic pump to lower the landing gear. Factors were the failure of the fuel selector handle, the subsequent fuel starvation, and the pilot's failure to properly crossfeed and restart the left engine. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced left engine power loss during descent. After failing to restore power, he feathered the propeller and landed with the nose gear collapsed. Investigation found failed rivets on the left fuel selector handle and imbalanced fuel levels.

Event Summary

During a descent, the pilot of a multi-engine aircraft reported a loss of power from the left engine. After several unsuccessful attempts to restore engine power, the pilot closed the throttle and feathered the left propeller. He then conducted a single-engine approach. During the approach, the pilot lowered the landing gear handle and received safe gear indications, but did not use the emergency hydraulic pump. Upon landing, the nose gear collapsed.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident examination revealed that both auxiliary fuel tanks were nearly empty, while the main fuel tanks were approximately half full. The two rivets that mount the left fuel selector handle had failed, rendering the selector inoperative. Functional tests of the landing gear, hydraulic system, and fuel system—including the crossfeed—found no other evidence of malfunction.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02232. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.