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Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Telephone Pole Strike (N9364L)

Erial, NJ, US

On August 16, 1998, a Gulfstream American AA-1A (registration N9364L) was involved in an aviation accident near Erial, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure emanated from a rust pit on the outside of the cylinder wall. 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

At 1,500 feet, the engine developed a vibration and smoke, followed by an explosive bang. The cowling rose, oil covered the windscreen, and the airplane struck a telephone pole during forced landing. Post-flight inspection revealed catastrophic failure of the number two cylinder due to a rust pit.

Incident Description

The aircraft was at 1,500 feet when the engine developed a slight vibration. The pilot checked that the fuel pump was on and the mixture was rich, then changed fuel tanks. The vibrations increased and were accompanied by smoke. The pilot then heard an explosive bang, and the cowling came up into the pilot's line of vision. Oil covered the pilot's side of the windscreen, and the engine was unable to maintain altitude. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck a telephone pole.

Post-Flight Inspection

Post-flight inspection revealed a catastrophic failure of the engine's number two cylinder. The cylinder had 1,780 hours of service and was manufactured in July 1996.

Cylinder Examination

Factory examination determined that the failure emanated from a rust pit on the outside of the cylinder wall.

Probable cause

The failure emanated from a rust pit on the outside of the cylinder wall.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Aug 1998 Gulfstream American AA-1A accident near Erial, NJ?

At 1,500 feet, the engine developed a vibration and smoke, followed by an explosive bang. The cowling rose, oil covered the windscreen, and the airplane struck a telephone pole during forced landing. Post-flight inspection revealed catastrophic failure of the number two cylinder due to a rust pit.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Aug 1998 involved a Gulfstream American AA-1A, registration N9364L, at Erial, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure emanated from a rust pit on the outside of the cylinder wall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X10940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.