Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Loses Engine Power on Final Approach, Collides with Parked Vehicles (N81435)

Brooksville, FL, US

On November 1, 1996, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration N81435) operated by Donald G. Pearson was involved in an aviation accident near Brooksville, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 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

A student pilot experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach during traffic pattern training. The forced landing resulted in a collision with two parked vehicles.

Accident Details

The aircraft owner reported that a student pilot was conducting traffic pattern training when he experienced a total loss of engine power while on final approach. The student pilot reported that he completed the before landing check, which included the application of carburetor heat. After turning onto the final approach leg, the student pilot noticed that the engine had quit. During the forced landing roll, the airplane collided with two parked vehicles.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the aircraft at the accident site failed to disclose a mechanical problem. A subsequent functional check of the engine disclosed that it operated normally throughout all power ranges. Weather conditions were favorable for the formation of carburetor ice at the time of the accident.

Additional Details

No other information about the aircraft, pilot, or exact location was provided. The report did not specify any injuries or damage beyond the collision with two parked vehicles.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Nov 1996 Piper PA-28-161 accident near Brooksville, FL?

A student pilot experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach during traffic pattern training. The forced landing resulted in a collision with two parked vehicles.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Nov 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-161, registration N81435, operated by Donald G. Pearson, at Brooksville, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06992. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.