No fatalities

Engine Power Loss During Cruise Climb Leads to Forced Landing in Muskeg (N9243K)

Noorvik, AK, US

On May 24, 2002, a Piper PA-32R-300 (registration N9243K) was involved in an aviation accident near Noorvik, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The partial loss of engine power during the climb to cruise for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing in soft terrain. A factor associated in the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing. 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

A commercial pilot performing an air taxi/cargo flight experienced engine roughness and power loss during climb. Emergency procedures failed, forcing a landing in marshy terrain, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. Post-recovery engine inspection found no mechanical malfunction.

Incident Overview

A solo commercial pilot operating an air taxi/cargo flight departed from a remote airport. Shortly after takeoff, during the cruise climb phase, the aircraft's engine began to run rough and lose power. The pilot executed emergency engine procedures, but these did not rectify the roughness or restore power.

Forced Landing and Damage

The pilot conducted a forced landing in a marshy, muskeg-covered area. Upon landing, the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings, the engine firewall, and the fuselage.

Post-Recovery Examination

After the aircraft was recovered, an FAA airworthiness inspector examined the engine. The inspection did not reveal any mechanical malfunction that could explain the power loss.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 May 2002 Piper PA-32R-300 accident near Noorvik, AK?

A commercial pilot performing an air taxi/cargo flight experienced engine roughness and power loss during climb. Emergency procedures failed, forcing a landing in marshy terrain, resulting in substantial aircraft damage. Post-recovery engine inspection found no mechanical malfunction.

Were there any fatalities in the 24 May 2002 Piper PA-32R-300 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 May 2002 involved a Piper PA-32R-300, registration N9243K, at Noorvik, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The partial loss of engine power during the climb to cruise for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing in soft terrain. A factor associated in the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020531X00792. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.