Casualties unknown

Precautionary Landing Attempt Ends with Lake Impact After Engine Power Loss and Gear Issues (N40273)

Sulphur Springs, TX, US

On March 4, 1996, a Piper PA-23-250 (registration N40273) was involved in an aviation accident near Sulphur Springs, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain terrain clearance. A factor was his diverted attention to the performance of the manual gear extension procedure. 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 a partial right engine power loss in cruise flight and opted for a precautionary landing. During approach, landing gear indicator lights failed, and after manual extension, the pilot lacked sufficient altitude to reach the airport. The airplane struck a lake surface and sank.

Event

During cruise flight, a partial loss of power occurred in the right engine. The pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing at a nearby airport. While maneuvering to the airport, the pilot placed the landing gear handle down but observed that the gear down indicator lights did not illuminate. The pilot then manually extended the landing gear. Following this, the pilot realized he did not have enough altitude to reach the airfield.

Impact

A witness observed the airplane impact the surface of a lake and subsequently sink. The sequence of events highlights the challenges faced by the pilot, including the engine power loss, landing gear system anomaly, and altitude management during the emergency approach.

Investigation

The investigation into the incident will focus on the reasons for the partial engine power loss and the failure of the landing gear indicator lights to illuminate. No further details were provided in the initial source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05397. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.