Casualties unknown

Pilot Performs Forced Landing on Road After Engine Power Loss (N146P)

Winslow, AZ, US

On May 23, 2007, a Piper PA-24-250 (registration N146P) was involved in an aviation accident near Winslow, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain power in flight, which resulted in a forced landing; the cause of the power loss could not be determined due to inconclusive engine examination results. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During a cross-country flight, an aircraft experienced sudden engine power loss, prompting the pilot to execute a forced landing on a paved road where the right wing struck a sign before recovery.

What happened

The pilot was operating a private aircraft during a cross-country flight when the engine suddenly lost power. In response to the emergency, the pilot initiated a forced landing onto a nearby paved road. During the landing roll, the right wing of the aircraft impacted a road sign located near the edge of the pavement. Despite the impact, the pilot maintained control and was able to restart the engine after the accident occurred. Following the restart, the pilot taxied the airplane off the road without further incident.

The investigation

A mechanical examination of the engine was conducted after it was recovered from the scene. The inspection results were inconclusive regarding the specific cause of the power loss. No definitive mechanical failure or fuel system issue was identified during this post-accident analysis.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain power in flight, which resulted in a forced landing; the cause of the power loss could not be determined due to inconclusive engine examination results.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070709X00894. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.