Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Climb Leads to Accident and Fire (N1242V)

Leesburg, FL, US

On July 28, 2002, a Boeing E75 (registration N1242V) was involved in an aviation accident near Leesburg, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff, resulting in the airplane colliding with the ground and nosing over during the subsequent 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

During initial climb from a private airport, the engine malfunctioned, prompting an emergency landing that resulted in a cartwheel and fire, destroying the aircraft.

Accident Summary

According to a statement provided to an FAA inspector, the pilot reported that during the initial climb from a private airport, at an altitude of approximately 100 feet, the engine began to cough and sputter, and then ceased operating. The pilot then turned the airplane to the right to avoid a tree while executing an emergency landing. During this maneuver, the right wing tip and landing gear contacted the ground, causing the airplane to cartwheel. The pilot further stated that the engine then "dug in", flipping the airplane onto its back. Leaking fuel contacted the exhaust, starting a fire that destroyed the airplane.

Investigation

An FAA inspector examined the accident aircraft and stated that he could not find anything that may have caused the engine problem.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Jul 2002 Boeing E75 accident near Leesburg, FL?

During initial climb from a private airport, the engine malfunctioned, prompting an emergency landing that resulted in a cartwheel and fire, destroying the aircraft.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Jul 2002 involved a Boeing E75, registration N1242V, at Leesburg, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Loss of engine power for undetermined reasons during takeoff, resulting in the airplane colliding with the ground and nosing over during the subsequent forced landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020816X01418. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.