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Engine Power Loss During Instructional Flight Leads to Emergency Landing and Nose-Over (N6356D)

Parker, CO, US

On April 25, 1998, a Cessna 172N (registration N6356D) operated by Aspen Air Corp. was involved in an aviation accident near Parker, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a fractured #1 exhaust valve rocker arm stud, which subsequently resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. The lack of suitable terrain in the forced landing area was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 local instructional flight, an instructor pilot and student experienced a sudden engine power loss. The instructor performed an emergency landing on a muddy field, but the aircraft nosed over after striking a rut.

Incident

During a local instructional flight, a certified flight instructor (CFI) and his student entered an extended right base for runway 35R, approximately 5 miles southeast of the airport. The CFI reported that he suddenly heard the engine lose a major portion of power. While performing an emergency check of the instruments, the instructor noted that the engine power had dropped to 1,800 rpm.

Emergency Landing

Realizing that they would be unable to glide to the airport due to the loss of engine power, the CFI executed an emergency landing on a field near a golf course. The ground was muddy due to an accumulation of rain and snow from the previous night. After the airplane traveled a short distance, the nose wheel struck a rut, and the airplane nosed over.

Engine Examination

Examination of the aircraft engine revealed that the #1 (right front) cylinder intake pushrod was bent. After removing the valve cover, a stud that anchored the #1 exhaust valve rocker arm was found to be fractured, and the #1 exhaust valve was in the closed position. There was no damage to the valve lifters or camshaft.

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1998 Cessna 172N accident near Parker, CO?

During a local instructional flight, an instructor pilot and student experienced a sudden engine power loss. The instructor performed an emergency landing on a muddy field, but the aircraft nosed over after striking a rut.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Apr 1998 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1998 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6356D, operated by Aspen Air Corp., at Parker, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

a fractured #1 exhaust valve rocker arm stud, which subsequently resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. The lack of suitable terrain in the forced landing area was a related factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09870. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.