Engine failure and power line collision involving Piper Navajo

No fatalities • Independence, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

A Piper Navajo experienced total engine failure during a cross-country flight, resulting in a collision with power lines during an emergency landing.

What happened

Prior to the accident, the Piper Navajo had been out of service for approximately nine months. During pre-flight preparations, the pilot identified a depleted battery. While the battery was sent to a fixed base operator to be charged, the battery box underwent cleaning and painting. Although the operator suggested replacing the battery due to its age and the extended period of inactivity, the pilot opted to continue using the existing unit. Following the maintenance, the pilot requested that the main fuel tanks be filled to capacity.

On the day of the accident, the pilot found the battery was once again dead during the pre-flight inspection and utilized an external power cart to start the engines. The aircraft proceeded on a cross-country flight, but roughly one hour into the journey, the pilot reported that both engines had ceased operation while the aircraft was running on auxiliary fuel tanks. This loss of engine power was accompanied by a total loss of electrical power, which prevented the operation of the starters and fuel boost pumps. During the subsequent attempt to perform an emergency landing in an alfalfa field, the aircraft struck electrical power lines.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating on auxiliary fuel tanks when the engines failed.
  • Total loss of electrical power prevented the use of essential components such as fuel boost pumps.
  • The pilot had previously been advised that the battery was unreliable and recommended for replacement.

Probable cause

The loss of electrical power led to the failure of the fuel boost pumps, resulting in engine flameout during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1992-05-02 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident near Independence, United States of America?

A Piper Navajo experienced total engine failure during a cross-country flight, resulting in a collision with power lines during an emergency landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 1992-05-02 Piper PA-31-310 Navajo accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1992-05-02 involved a Piper PA-31-310 Navajo, registration N59781, operated by Cross Country Construction, at Independence, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of electrical power led to the failure of the fuel boost pumps, resulting in engine flameout during flight.

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