Casualties unknown

1997-07-21: Piper PA-25-235 (N8784L) — Blackwell, OK

Blackwell, OK, US

On July 21, 1997, a Piper PA-25-235 (registration N8784L) was involved in an aviation accident near Blackwell, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. Factors relating to the accident were: the high vegetation and ditch in the emergency landing area. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

The pilot of a private airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power at approximately 300 feet AGL after takeoff, leading to a forced landing on a road. The wing contacted tall weeds in a ditch, pulling the airplane into the ditch. An engine run showed smooth operation.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that after takeoff from a private strip, the airplane's engine experienced a partial loss of power at approximately 300 feet above ground level (AGL). A forced landing was performed to a road. During the landing sequence, the airplane's wing contacted 'tall weeds in [a] road ditch and pulled [the] airplane into [the] ditch.' The pilot shut down the engine after the airplane came to rest.

Engine Run and Observations

An engine run was performed, and an FAA inspector, who attended the run, reported that the pilot 'reached in and started the engine; it ran smoothly. He advanced the throttle slightly, the engine accelerated smoothly.'

Pilot's Suspicions

The pilot reported that on the day of the accident, there was high temperature and high humidity. He 'suspected carb[uretor] icing.' However, carburetor icing was not verified.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08388. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.