Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Climb Leads to Forced Landing in Treetops (N2542A)

Lincoln, RI, US

On February 28, 2001, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N2542A) was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, RI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loose fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine. 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 climb, the engine sputtered and quit. The CFI attempted to return to the airport but, realizing the airplane would not make it, stalled into treetops. Post-accident examination revealed an air leak at the fuel line connection on the electric fuel pump.

Accident Overview

While climbing from the runway, the airplane's engine began to sputter and then lost power completely. The certified flight instructor (CFI) turned the airplane toward the airport in an attempt to return for landing. However, after determining that the airplane would not reach the runway, the CFI deliberately stalled the airplane into the treetops. The aircraft came to rest suspended by tree limbs.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, an examination of the airplane was conducted. The inspection revealed an air leak at the fuel line connection on the electric fuel pump. No other anomalies were reported in the source.

Sequence of Events

  • The airplane was climbing from the runway when the engine began to sputter.
  • The engine subsequently quit completely.
  • The CFI turned the airplane toward the airport to attempt a return.
  • Realizing the airplane would not make the runway, the CFI stalled the airplane into the treetops.
  • The airplane came to rest suspended by tree limbs.
  • Post-accident examination identified an air leak at the fuel line connection on the electric fuel pump.

Note: No information regarding aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, occupants, injuries, or weather conditions was provided in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Feb 2001 Piper PA-38-112 accident near Lincoln, RI?

During climb, the engine sputtered and quit. The CFI attempted to return to the airport but, realizing the airplane would not make it, stalled into treetops. Post-accident examination revealed an air leak at the fuel line connection on the electric fuel pump.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Feb 2001 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N2542A, at Lincoln, RI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loose fuel line, which resulted in fuel starvation to the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010313X00577. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.