No fatalities

Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing in Agricultural Field (N8442A)

Angola, IN, US

On May 19, 2002, a Piper PA-28-236 (registration N8442A) was involved in an aviation accident near Angola, IN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor to the accident was the soft terrain condition. 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, forcing a landing in a soft field. The landing gear sank and tore off. Fuel was adequate; no engine anomalies found.

Incident Overview

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise flight, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing. The chosen landing site was a soft agricultural field. According to the pilot's report, upon touchdown, the landing gear sank into the soft terrain and was subsequently torn from the aircraft during the landing roll.

Fuel and Engine Examination

The pilot stated that prior to departure, the aircraft was fueled with 26.3 gallons of fuel, which completely filled both wing tanks. Following the accident, investigators found adequate amounts of fuel in both wing tanks at the site. A thorough examination of the engine and its associated components revealed no anomalies that would have prevented normal operation.

Conclusion

No specific cause for the power loss was identified in the investigation. The engine was found to be capable of normal operation, and sufficient fuel was present.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 May 2002 Piper PA-28-236 accident near Angola, IN?

During cruise, the engine lost power, forcing a landing in a soft field. The landing gear sank and tore off. Fuel was adequate; no engine anomalies found.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 May 2002 Piper PA-28-236 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 May 2002 involved a Piper PA-28-236, registration N8442A, at Angola, IN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor to the accident was the soft terrain condition.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020521X00716. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.