No fatalities

Gravel Field Forced Landing Damages Landing Gear and Wing (N2087A)

Chicago, IL, US

On August 31, 1996, a Piper PA-32 (registration N2087A) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's improper flare during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a forced landing in a gravel field, the main landing gear collapsed and the left gear penetrated the wing. Postaccident tests showed the engine operated normally; the fuel selector was off.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that the engine stopped, necessitating a forced landing. The landing was executed in a level gravel field. Upon touchdown, both main landing gear collapsed. The left landing gear subsequently penetrated the upper surface of the wing. The propeller remained in a horizontal position and sustained no damage.

Fuel System Examination

Post-landing inspection revealed that the left fuel tank contained 18 gallons of fuel, while the right fuel tank was empty. The fuel selector was found in the off position.

Engine Testing

A postaccident engine test run was conducted, during which the engine operated normally, indicating no preexisting mechanical issues.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 1996 Piper PA-32 accident near Chicago, IL?

During a forced landing in a gravel field, the main landing gear collapsed and the left gear penetrated the wing. Postaccident tests showed the engine operated normally; the fuel selector was off.

Were there any fatalities in the 31 Aug 1996 Piper PA-32 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 1996 involved a Piper PA-32, registration N2087A, at Chicago, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: the pilot's improper flare during the forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06478. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.