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Casualties unknown

Private Pilot Reports Engine Power Loss Before Off-Airport Landing (N8563Y)

Marble Hill, MO, US

On July 25, 2002, a Piper PA-30 (registration N8563Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Marble Hill, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The solid fuel system contamination resulting in a loss of engine power. The inadequate emergency procedures, and the airspeed not maintained by the pilot were additional causes. 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 private pilot reported a loss of engine power while en route, leading to an off-airport landing attempt in a grass field. The airplane was destroyed, and fuel system contamination was found.

Incident Overview

The airplane, owned and piloted by a private pilot, was destroyed during an off-airport landing attempt. The pilot reported a loss of engine power while en route.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported hearing engine noise when the airplane began to circle over a 40-acre grass field. The engine noise ceased about midpoint through the turn.

Impact and Wreckage

Ground scarring and wreckage distribution were consistent with a nose-down, low-speed impact.

Engine and Fuel System Analysis

Nonvolatile memory aboard the airplane showed that the left engine was colder than the right engine, indicating that the pilot may have attempted to start the failed engine. Solid contamination of the fuel system was noted.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Jul 2002 Piper PA-30 accident near Marble Hill, MO?

A private pilot reported a loss of engine power while en route, leading to an off-airport landing attempt in a grass field. The airplane was destroyed, and fuel system contamination was found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Jul 2002 involved a Piper PA-30, registration N8563Y, at Marble Hill, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The solid fuel system contamination resulting in a loss of engine power. The inadequate emergency procedures, and the airspeed not maintained by the pilot were additional causes.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020805X01300. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.