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Casualties unknown

2002-07-06: Beech C23 (N823DA) — General Aviation Services — Newburyport, MA

Newburyport, MA, US

On July 6, 2002, a Beech C23 (registration N823DA) operated by General Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Newburyport, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The engine lost power during the transition to cruise flight, leading to a forced landing in a marsh where the aircraft subsequently nosed over following a nose wheel collapse. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A passenger-flown aircraft experienced an engine power loss during the transition to cruise, resulting in a forced landing in a marsh.

What happened

A pilot-rated passenger was performing the takeoff and downwind departure when, upon reducing engine power to cruise settings, the engine lost power. A commercial pilot on board immediately assumed control of the aircraft, but was unable to restore power to the engine.

The crew attempted to execute a forced landing on a nearby road, but the presence of a vehicle on the roadway prevented this maneuver. The commercial pilot subsequently side-stepped the aircraft and performed a forced landing in an adjacent marsh. During the ground roll, the nose wheel collapsed, causing the airplane to nose over. There were no injuries reported.

The investigation

Investigators examined the fuel system and confirmed continuity, with no evidence of contamination found. An engine test run was conducted using the aircraft's fuel system; however, engine power was maintained at a low level due to vibration and damaged engine mounts. Examination of the carburetor revealed that it ran rich across all power settings, with richness levels varying from 17 percent at idle to 2.5 percent at takeoff power.

Probable cause

The engine lost power during the transition to cruise flight, leading to a forced landing in a marsh where the aircraft subsequently nosed over following a nose wheel collapse.

Related events

Same operator

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020718X01162. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.