On September 6, 1997, a Piper PA-22 (registration N9228D) was involved in an aviation accident near Shields, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power from undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loss of engine power during initial climb from a farm field, resulting in a forced landing in a sunflower field where the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Accident Details
During the takeoff initial climb from a farm field, at an altitude of 150 to 200 feet above ground level, the pilot reported a loss of engine power. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane straight ahead in a sunflower field. After rolling approximately 55 feet, the nose gear collapsed and the airplane nosed over.
Background
The accident occurred during a ferry flight. The airplane's last annual inspection was in 1989. Over the last several years, the airplane had been started and allowed to run periodically. Prior to the accident flight, the pilot and two mechanics worked on the airplane for about six hours, during which time the fuel tanks were flushed and fresh fuel was added.