Engine power loss leads to forced landing

Casualties unknown • Granite City, IL, US

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight, resulting in a forced landing on rough terrain and substantial damage to the airplane.

What happened

During the cruise phase of flight, the engine of the aircraft lost power. The pilot was forced to perform an emergency landing on rough and uneven terrain. As a result of the impact with the ground, the airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that they were unaware of the specific nature or the origin of the engine power loss.

The investigation

Following the accident, the aircraft was moved to a different location for examination. An inspection of both the airframe and the engine was conducted, but investigators found no mechanical anomalies. During the process, the top spark plugs were removed and were noted to have brown deposits on them.

Upon removal of the wings, it was determined that no fuel remained in the fuel tanks. Investigators examined the fuel present within the lines, which appeared blue in color and showed no signs of contamination.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1999-08-21 Piper PA-18-150 accident near Granite City, IL?

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight, resulting in a forced landing on rough terrain and substantial damage to the airplane.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1999-08-21 involved a Piper PA-18-150, registration N90904, at Granite City, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of power for undetermined reason(s) and the rough/uneven.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19458. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…