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Left Engine Failure Prompts Emergency Landing After Sightseeing Flight (N14273)

Shawnee, United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On February 14, 1971, a Douglas DC-3 (registration N14273) operated by Patterson McCarthy Leasing was involved in an aviation accident near Shawnee, United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the left engine after takeoff due to spark plug problems. The following factors were reported: - Ignition system, spark plug, - Material failure, - Inadequate preflight preparation, - Improperly loaded aircraft, weight and CofG, - Partial loss of… 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

A sightseeing flight suffered left engine failure after takeoff, leading to an emergency landing during which the right wing struck trees. The aircraft was written off; nine occupants were wounded.

Incident Overview

A local sightseeing flight of eight minutes duration experienced a left engine failure shortly after takeoff from runway 35. The aircraft was in initial climb when the crew reduced altitude and elected to make an emergency landing. During the landing, the right wing struck trees, causing the airplane to lose height and crash near a farm.

Occupants and Damage

All 29 occupants were evacuated from the aircraft. Nine of them sustained wounds. The aircraft was written off due to the damage sustained in the accident.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be a failure of the left engine after takeoff due to spark plug problems. The following factors were identified:

  • Ignition system, spark plug
  • Material failure
  • Inadequate preflight preparation
  • Improperly loaded aircraft, weight and center of gravity
  • Partial loss of power on one engine
  • Suspected mechanical discrepancy
  • Left engine No. 3 cylinder rear spark plug center electrode missing
  • The aircraft was approximately 581 pounds over maximum takeoff weight (MTOW)
Engine failure

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