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Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing Following Takeoff (N5968L)

San Martin, CA, US

On October 22, 2003, an American AA-1 (registration N5968L) operated by Michael D. White was involved in an aviation accident near San Martin, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The absence of compression in two of the airplane's four cylinders, and the pilot/mechanic's failure to maintain the engine in an airworthy condition, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and 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

A student pilot reported losing engine power during initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft made a forced landing, colliding with a fence. Examination revealed compression loss in two cylinders, missing air cleaner, and spark plug issues.

Pilot Report

The student pilot, who also owned the airplane and held an aviation mechanic certificate, reported a loss of engine power after takeoff during the initial climb. He stated that the engine began running rough and subsequently lost power. Unable to maintain altitude, he performed a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with a fence.

Engine Examination

A post-accident examination of the engine disclosed virtually no compression in two of the four cylinders. Additionally, the air cleaner was absent, all bottom spark plugs exhibited excessively wide gaps, and the number 4 top spark plug was heavily sooted and fouled.

Maintenance History

The engine was installed in July 1978 and had accumulated 2,157.5 total operating hours. It had never been overhauled.

Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Oct 2003 American AA-1 accident near San Martin, CA?

A student pilot reported losing engine power during initial climb after takeoff. The aircraft made a forced landing, colliding with a fence. Examination revealed compression loss in two cylinders, missing air cleaner, and spark plug issues.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Oct 2003 American AA-1 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Oct 2003 involved an American AA-1, registration N5968L, operated by Michael D. White, at San Martin, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The absence of compression in two of the airplane's four cylinders, and the pilot/mechanic's failure to maintain the engine in an airworthy condition, which resulted in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and subsequent 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/20031028X01820. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.