FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing and Nose Gear Separation (N8556S)

Weaver, AL, US

On February 17, 2001, a Cessna 182H (registration N8556S) was involved in an aviation accident near Weaver, AL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Damage to the No. 4 cylinder intake valve push rod tube at an undetermined time which resulted in the push rod rubbing on the push rod tube and failing due to wear, resulting in loss of engine power and damage to the airplane during a forced landing in a… 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, the engine lost power with popping sounds. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, where the nose landing gear separated after hitting a ditch. Postcrash examination revealed a failed push rod due to a dented housing.

Incident Overview

The pilot reported that during cruise flight, the engine began to emit popping sounds and subsequently lost power. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in a field. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a ditch, causing the nose landing gear to separate from the aircraft.

Postcrash Examination

A postcrash examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 cylinder intake push rod housing was dented inward. The push rod had rubbed against the housing and failed. Investigators were unable to determine when the dent in the push rod tube occurred.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Feb 2001 Cessna 182H accident near Weaver, AL?

During cruise, the engine lost power with popping sounds. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field, where the nose landing gear separated after hitting a ditch. Postcrash examination revealed a failed push rod due to a dented housing.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Feb 2001 Cessna 182H accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Feb 2001 involved a Cessna 182H, registration N8556S, at Weaver, AL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Damage to the No. 4 cylinder intake valve push rod tube at an undetermined time which resulted in the push rod rubbing on the push rod tube and failing due to wear, resulting in loss of engine power and damage to the airplane during a forced landing in a field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010221X00478. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.