Casualties unknown

Engine Failure Leads to Off-Airport Landing and Nose-Over (N3808F)

Chandler, AZ, US

On October 26, 1995, a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 (registration N3808F) was involved in an aviation accident near Chandler, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the improper installation of an intake manifold tube assembly during engine overhaul which permitted leakage into the induction system resulting in detonation and piston failure in the associated cylinder. 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 performed an off-airport landing due to engine roughness, oil on windshield, and trailing smoke. The aircraft struck a ditch on a dirt road and nosed over. Post-accident examination revealed a leaking intake manifold seal and a burned piston hole.

Incident Overview

A pilot executed an off-airport landing after experiencing a rough-running engine, oil obscuring the windshield, and a radio report indicating smoke trailing from the aircraft. The landing was made on a dirt road. During the rollout, the aircraft struck a ditch and nosed over.

Engine Examination

Subsequent examination of the engine disclosed an intake manifold seal that was leaking at its attachment point to the number 4 cylinder. Additionally, the number 4 piston contained a burned hole. The propeller shaft seal had been displaced forward onto the engine propeller shaft, and the engine oil supply had been vented overboard through the engine breather and around the propeller shaft.

Recent Overhaul

The engine had undergone an overhaul only 11 hours prior to the accident.

Conclusion

The source provides details of the mechanical findings but does not assign a probable cause or indicate any injuries or fatalities.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Oct 1995 Great Lakes 2T-1A-2 accident near Chandler, AZ?

A pilot performed an off-airport landing due to engine roughness, oil on windshield, and trailing smoke. The aircraft struck a ditch on a dirt road and nosed over. Post-accident examination revealed a leaking intake manifold seal and a burned piston hole.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Oct 1995 involved a Great Lakes 2T-1A-2, registration N3808F, at Chandler, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the improper installation of an intake manifold tube assembly during engine overhaul which permitted leakage into the induction system resulting in detonation and piston failure in the associated cylinder.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04734. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.