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Engine Failure During Post-Overhaul Test Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Damage (N16438)

Delta, CO, US

On March 13, 2003, a Piper PA-28R-200 (registration N16438) was involved in an aviation accident near Delta, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power due to company maintenance personnel's inadequate major engine overhaul (an oil pressure fitting in the engine accessory drive case had not been capped). 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 a post-overhaul test flight, the engine stopped after the pilot adjusted the prop control. The pilot performed a forced landing, but the aircraft bounced down a hill, collapsing landing gear and bending the wing spar and firewall.

Accident Sequence

The airplane had recently undergone an engine overhaul and was on its initial flight test. The pilot reported that the airplane was performing normally until the engine speed increased to the red line. The pilot adjusted the propeller control to compensate for the high rpm, but the engine then stopped. The pilot assumed control from the pilot-flying and proceeded to shut off the fuel. He selected a field for a forced landing and stabilized the airplane at best glide airspeed. Subsequently, the landing gear deployed automatically. The pilot then chose a secondary landing site located on the back side of a hill. During the landing, the airplane bounced several times while rapidly descending down the hill. The airplane came to rest with the nose gear and left main gear collapsed. Additionally, the left wing spar and firewall were bent.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident examination of the engine revealed that one oil pressure fitting in the engine accessory drive case had not been capped.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 2003 Piper PA-28R-200 accident near Delta, CO?

During a post-overhaul test flight, the engine stopped after the pilot adjusted the prop control. The pilot performed a forced landing, but the aircraft bounced down a hill, collapsing landing gear and bending the wing spar and firewall.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Mar 2003 Piper PA-28R-200 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 2003 involved a Piper PA-28R-200, registration N16438, at Delta, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loss of engine power due to company maintenance personnel's inadequate major engine overhaul (an oil pressure fitting in the engine accessory drive case had not been capped). Contributing factors were the loss of engine oil, and lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030325X00381. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.