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Engine Difficulty Reported During Touch-and-Go, Aircraft Impacts Nose Down (N7246F)

Beverly, MA, US

On December 21, 1996, a Piper PA-28-140 (registration N7246F) was involved in an aviation accident near Beverly, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain. 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 reported engine difficulty after a touch-and-go landing at 500 feet. The aircraft turned left, banked 90 degrees, and impacted the ground nose down. Post-accident examination found no anomalies.

Accident Overview

According to the air traffic controller, the pilot had completed a touch-and-go landing and was on climb-out when he reported having engine difficulty. At the time, the airplane was at approximately 500 feet. After the pilot was cleared to land, the airplane turned left and banked about 90 degrees.

Witness Observation

A witness stated that the airplane 'seemed to fall backwards to the ground.' According to the witness, the airplane was in a nose-high attitude, about 50 degrees above the horizon. The airplane then seemed to fall off over the left wing and make a slight rotation. The witness did not hear any sound from the airplane.

Impact and Examination

The airplane impacted the ground in a nose-down attitude. A post-accident examination of the aircraft wreckage revealed no airframe or engine anomalies.

Loss of control in flight

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Dec 1996 Piper PA-28-140 accident near Beverly, MA?

A pilot reported engine difficulty after a touch-and-go landing at 500 feet. The aircraft turned left, banked 90 degrees, and impacted the ground nose down. Post-accident examination found no anomalies.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Dec 1996 involved a Piper PA-28-140, registration N7246F, at Beverly, MA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

loss of engine power for undetermined reason(s), and failure of the pilot to maintain adequate airspeed, while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in a stall and subsequent in-flight collision with terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07178. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.