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Casualties unknown

Loss of Engine Power and Forced Landing Following Cylinder Separation (N158T)

Pageland, SC, US

On May 16, 1998, a Nanchang CJ-6A (registration N158T) was involved in an aviation accident near Pageland, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Was the inadvertent stall of the airplane by the pilot-in-command while attempting to clear trees beneath the airplane during the descent for the forced landing. 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

During cruise flight, a pilot experienced engine vibration and power loss due to a separated cylinder, leading to a forced landing and nose-over after stalling.

Incident Details

While cruising at approximately 800 feet above ground level about 1.5 miles east of the destination airport, the pilot detected a vibration and noticed an object protruding through the engine cowling. The engine subsequently lost power, preventing the aircraft from maintaining altitude. The pilot executed a forced landing attempt in a field. With the landing gear and speed brake extended, the airplane cleared trees but then stalled, impacting the ground nose-low and nosing over.

Engine Examination

Post-incident inspection of the engine revealed that the No. 9 cylinder had separated from the engine. Further disassembly showed that the No. 9 cylinder piston had failed. Additionally, the auxiliary rod end sleeve was missing, and the auxiliary rod piston pin hole was elongated.

Maintenance Background

According to the maintenance records, the engine had accumulated 425 hours since new at the time of the failure.

Engine failureAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 May 1998 Nanchang CJ-6A accident near Pageland, SC?

During cruise flight, a pilot experienced engine vibration and power loss due to a separated cylinder, leading to a forced landing and nose-over after stalling.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 May 1998 involved a Nanchang CJ-6A, registration N158T, at Pageland, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Was the inadvertent stall of the airplane by the pilot-in-command while attempting to clear trees beneath the airplane during the descent for the forced landing. Contributing to the accident was the partial loss of engine power due to separation of the No.9 cylinder from the engine.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10157. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.