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Engine Roughness and Smoke Lead to Forced Landing and Damage (N5221P)

Kaufman, TX, US

On December 27, 1995, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5221P) was involved in an aviation accident near Kaufman, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A BENT PUSH ROD AND THE RESULTANT LOSS OF OIL. FACTORS WERE THE COCKPIT SMOKE AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. 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

During a flight, the engine started running rough and smoke filled the cockpit. Limited visibility on approach, the pilot observed a fence on short final and pulled back on the yoke. Hard landing resulted in nose gear collapse and damage to engine, fuselage, and wings.

Engine Failure

The engine began to run rough and smoke filled the cockpit.

Approach and Landing

During the downwind approach to a field, forward visibility was limited by the smoke. On short final, the pilot observed a fence across the landing area and pulled the yoke all the way back. The airplane made a hard landing and traveled through the fence.

Post-Accident Damage

Following the landing, the nose gear collapsed. The engine, fuselage, and wings were damaged. Engine oil was found on the engine cowling and in the area of the #4 cylinder. The oil sump contained approximately 1.5 quarts of oil. The exhaust valve push rod and the push rod tube on the #4 cylinder were bent and were no longer in place. The engine time since the last major overhaul was 697.65 hours, and the time since the last annual inspection was 26 hours.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Dec 1995 Piper PA-24-250 accident near Kaufman, TX?

During a flight, the engine started running rough and smoke filled the cockpit. Limited visibility on approach, the pilot observed a fence on short final and pulled back on the yoke. Hard landing resulted in nose gear collapse and damage to engine, fuselage, and wings.

Were there any fatalities in the 27 Dec 1995 Piper PA-24-250 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Dec 1995 involved a Piper PA-24-250, registration N5221P, at Kaufman, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO A BENT PUSH ROD AND THE RESULTANT LOSS OF OIL. FACTORS WERE THE COCKPIT SMOKE AND THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X05010. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.