On August 2, 1998, a Piper 20 (registration N127X) was involved in an aviation accident near Andover, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident: the sudden loss of engine power during final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A sudden engine failure at low altitude caused a rapid descent into trees near the runway end, with post-accident inspection revealing no mechanical cause for the power loss.
What happened
The pilot reported that during the final phase of flight, the aircraft was operating at an altitude between 60 and 70 feet above the ground when a sudden loss of engine power occurred. This event was immediately followed by a rapid descent toward the ground. The aircraft subsequently impacted a line of trees located at the north end of the runway. Specifically, the right wing struck a large cedar tree at a height estimated between 15 and 18 feet above the surface.
The investigation
Following the accident, a thorough post-accident inspection of the airplane was conducted to determine the mechanical status of the aircraft. The examination failed to reveal any reason for the loss of power. No mechanical defects or anomalies were identified that would explain the sudden cessation of engine operation prior to impact.
Probable cause
The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident: the sudden loss of engine power during final approach, which resulted in an inadvertent collision with trees. The cause of the power loss remains undetermined as no mechanical failure was found.
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