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Cruising Aircraft Experiences Sudden Engine Failure and Forced Landing (N8120H)

Brewster, WA, US

On July 3, 2006, a Nanchang China CJ-6 (registration N8120H) was involved in an aviation accident near Brewster, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the engine's three planetary gears for undetermined reasons. A factor contributing to the accident was the tree orchard. 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 cruise at 5,000 feet, a loud bang and RPM spike preceded loss of engine power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a runway but impacted orchard trees less than half a mile short.

Engine Failure

While in cruise flight at an altitude of 5,000 feet, the pilot heard a loud bang accompanied by an instantaneous increase in RPM. Subsequent attempts to sustain engine power by adjusting throttle and propeller controls were unsuccessful.

Forced Landing Attempt

The pilot initiated a forced landing to a paved runway approximately 4 miles away. However, the airplane impacted the last row of trees of an orchard situated less than one-half mile from the end of the runway. The airplane came to rest on its belly, oriented on an easterly heading.

Post-Accident Examination

A post-accident examination of the airplane's engine revealed that all three planetary gears were severely damaged. All three gears appeared to have lost all gear teeth, with a portion of the gear teeth located in the oil sump. The reason for the damage to the planetary gears was not determined.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Jul 2006 Nanchang China CJ-6 accident near Brewster, WA?

During cruise at 5,000 feet, a loud bang and RPM spike preceded loss of engine power. The pilot attempted a forced landing to a runway but impacted orchard trees less than half a mile short.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Jul 2006 involved a Nanchang China CJ-6, registration N8120H, at Brewster, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the engine's three planetary gears for undetermined reasons. A factor contributing to the accident was the tree orchard.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060711X00916. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.