1 fatality

Left Engine Failure Leads to Crash During Emergency Landing (N4077Q)

Spruce Pine, United States of AmericaFlight

On May 27, 1970, a Cessna 401 (registration N4077Q) operated by Thompson Street was involved in an aviation accident near Spruce Pine, United States of America in flight. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Contributing factors: The pilot-in-command misjudged clearance, High obstructions, Partial loss of power on one engine, Cause of the left engine malfunction not determined due to ground fire. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A).

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced a left engine failure en route. The pilot attempted an emergency landing but struck a tree and crashed, resulting in a post-crash fire that destroyed the aircraft and killed the pilot.

Accident Overview

During an en route flight, the left engine failed. The pilot responded by reducing altitude and initiating an emergency landing procedure. However, the airplane struck a tree and crashed, erupting into flames. The post-crash fire totally destroyed the aircraft, and the pilot was killed.

Investigation Findings

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a powerplant failure for undetermined reasons. Several contributing factors were identified: the pilot-in-command misjudged clearance; high obstructions were present; there was partial loss of power on one engine; and the cause of the left engine malfunction could not be determined due to the ground fire.