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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing in Wheat Field After Engine Power Loss (N5360P)

Sparta, IL, US

On May 31, 2002, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N5360P) was involved in an aviation accident near Sparta, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The total loss of engine power due to a separated cylinder and the failure of the pilot to perform a precautionary landing at the nearest suitable airport when the engine had a partial loss of engine power. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was substantially damaged when its gear collapsed during a forced landing in a wheat field after a total loss of engine power. The No. 5 cylinder was found separated from the engine.

Incident Overview and Location Details The aircraft was directly over Festus Memorial Airport (FES) in Festus, Missouri, when the engine began to run rough. The pilot elected to return to Sparta Community-Hunter Field Airport (SAR) in Sparta, Illinois, which was approximately 35 nautical miles from FES. The engine suffered a total loss of power about eight nautical miles from SAR, prompting the pilot to make an emergency landing in a wheat field. The airplane sustained substantial damage when the landing gear collapsed during the forced landing. ## Engine Findings and Maintenance History Investigation of the engine revealed that the number five cylinder had separated from the engine. The last major overhaul of the engine was completed on November 1, 1988, and the engine had accumulated 526 hours since that overhaul. The engine manufacturer recommends that the engine be overhauled every 12 years, even if the time between overhaul hours is not met.

Engine failure

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020606X00824. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.