No fatalities

1971-07-15: Cessna 411 (N944SP) — Private United States of America — Plain Dealing, United States of America

Plain Dealing, United States of AmericaFlight

On July 15, 1971, a Cessna 411 (registration N944SP) operated by Private United States of America was involved in an aviation accident near Plain Dealing, United States of America in flight. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the right engine in flight, resulting from material failure of the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve and overload failure, leading to partial loss of power and the pilot's inability to maintain flying speed. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 1781235073Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a right engine failure during a flight from Dallas to Haleyville. The pilot attempted an emergency landing but the aircraft crash landed in rough terrain. All four occupants escaped uninjured, but the aircraft was destroyed.

Accident Details

During a flight from Dallas, Texas, to Haleyville, Alabama, the aircraft encountered a failure of its right engine while flying over Louisiana. The loss of power prevented the pilot from maintaining the prescribed altitude, prompting an attempt to execute an emergency landing. The aircraft subsequently crash landed in rough terrain and came to a stop.

Occupant Status

All four occupants on board evacuated the aircraft without sustaining any injuries.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage as a result of the crash landing, rendering it beyond economical repair.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined that the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine in flight. Factors reported included material failure of the No. 1 cylinder exhaust valve, an overload failure, and a partial loss of power on one engine. The pilot was unable to maintain flying speed and could not sustain single-engine flight.