# NTSB investigations, 1987: Loss of engine power NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports. Page 1 of 4 · 186 cases ## Latest cases - [NTSB LAX88FA075](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88FA075.md): Piper PA-31-350 · Maunaloa, HI · Accident · 8 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Dec 24, 1987 · N712AN · Destroyed > The flight was to be flown across a 22 mile channel between islands on an overcast night with no moon and no ground reference lights. The aircraft disappeared from radar and, after extensive searches, could not be found. A three dimensional flight track was… - [NTSB MIA88LA067](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA067.md): Gulfstream American AA5A · Marathon, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 18, 1987 · CGRRP · Substantial damage > While on a personal flt shortly after takeoff at an alt of aprx 400 ft, the plt reported that the eng quit shortly after she turned off the electric fuel pump. Attempts to restart were unsuccessful. A forced landing followed during which the acft collided… - [NTSB NYC88LA057](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA057.md): Grumman AA-5A · Rome, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 15, 1987 · N74085 · Destroyed > The flight was enroute from watertown to glens falls, new york when snow squalls of varying intensity and gusty wind conditions were encountered. The pilot stated that forward visibility was marginal. The engine failed shortly after changing heading towards… - [NTSB MIA88LA060](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA060.md): Mooney M20J · St Theresa, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 11, 1987 · N4324H · Destroyed > While in cruise flt at 3000 ft south-southeast of st. Theresa, FL over the gulf of Mexico, the plt reported a total loss of power. Attempts to restart were unsuccessful. The acft was then ditched aprx 11 nautical miles & 146 degrees from st. Theresa, FL, near… - [NTSB NYC88LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA053.md): Piper PA-28RT · Houlton, ME · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 4, 1987 · CGRQU · Destroyed > During a personal transportation flight to quebec city in Canada and while cruising at about 6500 feet, the aircraft experienced an oil pressure light illumination, 43 nautical miles nnw of Houlton VOR on a 306 degree heading. The engine then started to run… - [NTSB NYC88LA047](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA047.md): Piper PA-28-180 · E.Harwich Port, MA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 28, 1987 · N9714J · Destroyed > The pilot departed chatham airport for a local pleasure flight. Shortly after takeoff and while turning left in the pattern, the engine suffered a power loss. The pilot prepared for an emergency landing and transmitted a 'may day'. The aircraft crashed in a… - [NTSB NYC88LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA049.md): Piper PA-18-150 · Gloucester, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1987 · N1590R · Substantial damage > The flight departed leddon's farm for an engine check in an extended traffic pattern. Shortly after takeoff, the engine suffered a power reduction from 2200 RPM to about 1000 RPM. A short plowed farm field was selected for a forced landing. The aircraft… - [NTSB NYC88LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA046.md): Cessna 152 · Mendham, NJ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 1987 · N5520H · Substantial damage > The flight instructor had simulated an engine failure. The instructor pulled the throttle to idle and the student went through the checklist procedure for emergency landing. When the student plt applied power for the go-around the engine restarted for about… - [NTSB LAX88LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA053.md): Bellanca 8GCBC · San Diego, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 22, 1987 · N53917 · Destroyed > As the plt was completing a banner towing opn, he applied pwr to climb from 500' to 1500' to return to the arpt. As he advanced the throttle, the eng began running rough, then lost pwr. He said the cockpit filled with smoke & he released the banner. He… - [NTSB LAX88LA049](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA049.md): Cessna 150M · Honolulu, HI · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1987 · N2973V · Destroyed > The pilot stated that the engine lost power while he was flying low over the ocean on a fish spotting flight. Subsequently, he ditched the aircraft in the ocean & it was not retrieved. - [NTSB ATL88LA038](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA038.md): Cessna 172A · Dayton, OH · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 1987 · N7623T · Substantial damage > The plt rptd that the engine began to sputter and lose power shortly after takeoff. A forced ldg was subsequently made in a nearby river. The acft nosed over on ldg and came to rest partially submerged in about 4 feet of water. Post-crash exam of the airplane… - [NTSB LAX88DVG01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DVG01.md): Stoopin Scorpion · Browns Valley, CA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Nov 14, 1987 · N19NS · Destroyed > During the local flight, the acft was observed at 300 ft when a power loss apparently occurred. The aircraft descended steeply into a wooded area. The witness stated that the pilot/manufacturer had performed maintenance on the aircraft,s engine immediately… - [NTSB NYC88LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA037.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Jeannette, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 12, 1987 · N8450F · Substantial damage > The aircraft suffered an engine failure during approach and crashed short and to the right of the runway. The acft then nosed over. Post acc investigation and engine exam by the FAA revealed no reason for the eng malfunction. - [NTSB CHI88LA018](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88LA018.md): Cessna 172P · Danville, IL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 6, 1987 · N52263 · Substantial damage > During an emergency off airport landing, subsequent to a power failure, the aircraft experienced a nose over and suffered substantial damage. The pilot reported no injuries. Investigation after the accident revealed a valve sticking problem in the engine.… - [NTSB NYC88LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA026.md): Piper PA-22-108 · Argyle, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1987 · N5502Z · Substantial damage > The flight was returning to cheney farm field for landing when the pilot came in too high and fast. He added power, banked left and started a go around. At this time the engine backfired and started missing. During the emergency landing in a pasture the… - [NTSB LAX88DUM01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUM01.md): Durbin Monnett Moni · Ramona, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Nov 1, 1987 · N190PJ · Destroyed > Acquaintances of the plt rprtd he had performed maintenance to repair an inoperative airspeed indicator. He then took off on a test flt. A witness, who was a plt, rprtd the eng started to 'cut out' at about 200 to 300 ft AGL, the tail 'waggled a couple of… - [NTSB NYC88LA025](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA025.md): Cessna 150 · Millbrook, NY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1987 · N8362G · Substantial damage > The aircraft had just become airborne when power fluctuation occurred. On the second power loss, carburetor heat was applied but the engine lost power completely. The instructor pilot was making a turn back towards the airport when the wing contacted trees… - [NTSB LAX88LA029](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA029.md): Cessna 182A · Laveen, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 31, 1987 · N3804D · Substantial damage > The pilot stated that he was ferrying his aircraft three miles to a private strip. Shortly after takeoff, the engine began losing power. The pilot did not think he could make it to the private strip so he attempted a precautionary landing on a dirt road. He… - [NTSB FTW88DRG02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88DRG02.md): Grumman Schweizer G-164A · Edcouch, TX · Accident · No injuries · Final report · Oct 30, 1987 · N45691 · Substantial damage > After a normal takeoff and climb to 200 feet AGL the pilot reduced power and the engine quit. A forced landing was made into a dry but soft plowed field. The aircraft rolled 300 feet and then nosed over into an inverted attitude and stopped. The engine was… - [NTSB LAX88DUJ01](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88DUJ01.md): Warnke Sonerie II · Patagonia, AZ · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Oct 26, 1987 · N505BW · Substantial damage > During a local flight, the engine lost power. Subsequently, the aircraft was extensively damaged during a forced landingin mountainous terrain. The reason for the power loss was reported to be from an electrical malfunction of the ignition system. - [NTSB FTW88LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW88LA015.md): Beech 65 · Covington, LA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 25, 1987 · N504AC · Substantial damage > During initial climb from takeoff, the left engine failed for unknown reasons. The plt stated that right rudder and aileron inputs were ineffective to stop the acft from rolling left and the acft contacted the ground as he was retarding pwr on the right eng. - [NTSB ATL88LA021](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL88LA021.md): Cessna 172P · Swainsboro, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 23, 1987 · N4946G · Substantial damage > The acft was being returned to its home base following a 100 hour inspection. The plt reported that the eng quit as he was descending prior to traffic pattern entry. An off airport landing was attempted. The landing gear was extensivelydamaged and the… - [NTSB NYC88LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA013.md): Piper PA-31-310 · Beverly, MA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 21, 1987 · N9249Y · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that drg an NDB apch, the acft 'broke out slightly above minimums' & that he maneuvered to land from a close-in, base leg. He stated that drg a left turn to final apch, the left eng began losing power. Rprtdly, there was a lack of response to… - [NTSB MKC88LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88LA004.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Storm Lake, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1987 · N4477X · Substantial damage > While practicing an approach to lndg stall, the stu plt stated that the eng failed to respond to throttle advancement. After unsuccessfully attempting emergency procs to include carb heat, fuel pump, and switching fuel tanks, he selected a fld. Prior to t/d,… - [NTSB MIA88FA009](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88FA009.md): Piper PA-23-250 · St. Thomas · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1987 · N6475Y · Substantial damage > After departure, aprx 3 miles west of the arpt at St. Thomas, the plt reported to the tower that the flt was returning to land due to a loss of power from the left eng. He secured it, returned to land, & on short final, positioned the landing gear selector… - [NTSB LAX88LA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX88LA013.md): Cessna 150L · Guam (Pacific Ocean) · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 12, 1987 · N11939 · Destroyed > The pilot experienced a loss of engine power at 1500 feet MSL while on a flight in the marianas islands from saipan to Guam. The aircraft was ditched in ocean waters about 2 miles north of Guam and was not recovered. The occupants were rescued by a U.S. Navy… - [NTSB MIA88FA006](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88FA006.md): Robinson R-22-B · Plymouth, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 10, 1987 · N2276X · Destroyed > The private pilot, with an expired medical certificate and a license restricted to no carriage of passengers, took off and experienced an engine failure for undetermined causes. He did not execute an autorotation and the aircraft crashed. The pilot had also… - [NTSB SEA88LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA88LA003.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Canby, OR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1987 · N4112J · Destroyed > At a reduced power setting, while maneuvering, a loss of power occurred. An inadvertent stall was then entered. The student pilot is legally deaf, but the stall warning system incorporated a red stall warning light. After the stall occurred the aircraft… - [NTSB MIA88LA014](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA88LA014.md): Hiller UH-12E · Union Church, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 6, 1987 · N4029R · Substantial damage > At an altitude of aprx 75 feet during an agricultural turn, the plt reported that the engine lost power. While executing a forced landing, the rotor blades contacted trees, after which, during the descent, the right skid collided with a stump & the helicopter… - [NTSB CHI88FA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI88FA001.md): Beech A35 · Grand Ledge, MI · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1987 · N8705A · Substantial damage > After rtrng fm a x-country flt, the plt was about to turn downwind to land when the eng began to lose power. He moved the fuel selector from the left main to the rgt main psn & pumped the wobble pump svrl times, but the eng did not restart. He then moved the… - [NTSB MIA87LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA266.md): Aero Commander 720 · 50 Nw San Juan, PR · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 1987 · N4100S · Substantial damage > Fifteen minutes after a northwest departure from san juan international arpt the plt reported that the flt was returning to land after securing the rt eng due to reported problems. Unable to maintain altitude the acft was ditched aprx 50 miles northwest of… - [NTSB NYC87LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA263.md): Cessna 182 · Kingston, NH · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 29, 1987 · N7388S · Destroyed > During flight, the pilot noticed the engine RPM was high. He was unable to control the RPM with the prop control. He reduced the throttle setting, but soon thereafter, the engine began running rough with a severe vibration. The pilot selected a field for an… - [NTSB SEA87FA194](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87FA194.md): Hughes 369D · Seattle, WA · Accident · Minor injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 27, 1987 · N8613F · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that while he was in cruise flight at about 1000', the eng lost power. He initiated an autorotation to an athletic field in a city park. Drg his apch, he changed his planned touchdown point svrl times due to personnel on the field. He said that… - [NTSB SEA87MA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87MA192.md): Fairchild SA227-AC · Twin Falls, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Major investigation · Final report · Sep 25, 1987 · N2689E · Destroyed > Chk plt was conducting capt proficiency chk on another company plt (PIC) under dark ngt condtns. Subsequent to full stop ldg on rwy 25, takeoff chklst was recited. PIC commenced t/o on rwy 07. Chk plt simulated VI eng cut after liftoff. PIC was unable to… - [NTSB SEA87LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA193.md): Cessna 340A · Tecopa, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1987 · N2699S · Substantial damage > A dual engine failure occurred after the first reduction in power at about 200 feet AGL. The aircraft then descended to the ground. No mechanical reason for the loss of power could be determined. - [NTSB ATL87LA261](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA261.md): Cessna 150E · Winston Salem, NC · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 24, 1987 · N2599J · Substantial damage > The stu plt discussed a cross country flt with his CFI, but did not get a sign off nor give a date for the flt. He then rented an acft and departed on the flt. During the flt, the com radio's became inop. The operator and the CFI were called from an enroute… - [NTSB MIA87LA254](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA254.md): Grumman G-164B · Bristol, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 21, 1987 · N6647Q · Substantial damage > The eng began losing power as the plt was en route to spray a field. He was unable to maintain altitude, dumped the load of chemicals & prepared for an emerg landing. While he was attempting to reach an open field, the acft collided with 100 foot trees, then… - [NTSB ATL87LA263](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA263.md): Cessna 140 · Jesup, GA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 19, 1987 · N77126 · Substantial damage > During initial takeoff the aircraft's engine lost power and the aircraft collided with the ground. Investigation revealed the carburetor inlet filter was 50 percent plugged with rusty material and two tablespoons of rusty water remained in the carburetor… - [NTSB FTW87LA220](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA220.md): Bell 206B · Gulf Of Mexico · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 16, 1987 · N2206F · Destroyed > While departing from an off-shore oil platform in the Gulf Of Mexico, the helicopter eng lost power. The plt initiated an autorotation & made a mayday call, but did not get the emerg floats inflated before touching down in the water. Subsequently, the… - [NTSB SEA87LA188](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA87LA188.md): Mercer OWL Racer 65-2 · Reno, NV · Accident · 1 fatal · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 15, 1987 · N5JG · Destroyed > Drg a practice flt in a formula one racer bfr the Reno air races, the eng lost pwr after 4 laps when the acft was at an alt of about 40' AGL. The plt maneuvered to lnd on a rwy in winds that were variable & gusty. A witness rprtd the plt made an abrupt left… - [NTSB MIA87LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA243.md): Beech V-35B · Apalachicola, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1987 · N9008Q · Destroyed > The plt stated that while on final apch to st. georges arpt he lost power. On an attempt to go around collided with trees, flipped over & came to rest inverted. - [NTSB BFO87LA064](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO87LA064.md): Piper PA-28-140 · Clinton, MD · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1987 · N5515U · Substantial damage > During takeoff with the aircraft over the end of the runway, power loss occurred. The pilot landed straight ahead in a field and nosed over. Examination of the aircraft did not disclose any mechanical malfunctions/failures. The engine was started and operated… - [NTSB NYC87DHA02](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87DHA02.md): Kolb Twinstar · Hilltown, PA · Accident · 2 fatal · Final report · Sep 9, 1987 · N23EH · Substantial damage > After the acft took off, witnesses heard a power change & saw what appeared to be a left turn to return to the grass strip. Subsequently, it entered a descent & crashed in a left wing down, nose low attitude. The passenger was taken to a hospital, but died… - [NTSB LAX87LA330](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA330.md): Beech H35 · Avenal, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 9, 1987 · N7962D · Substantial damage > During a pleasure flight, the pilot noted that the oil pressure was reading low. The pilot decided to make a 180 degree turn to land at a nearby airport. En route the oil pressure continued to drop. During the first landing attempt the pilot stated the… - [NTSB MIA87LA241](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA241.md): Piper PA-28 · Ocala, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 7, 1987 · N5581U · Substantial damage > Shortly after takeoff, the eng began to lose pwr & the plt was unable to maint alt or return to the arpt. He elected to land on a road, but there was oncoming traffic, so he maneuvered to the left side. Subsequently, the left wing collided with a utility… - [NTSB NYC87LA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC87LA246.md): Piper PA-28 · Harrisburg, PA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 5, 1987 · N3023M · Substantial damage > The aircraft engine lost power while descending for a landing. The plt stated that when he advanced the throttle the engine quit completely. During lndg alongside a turnpike, the nose wheel collapsed and the prop was damaged. Investigation revealed that the… - [NTSB MKC87LA170](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC87LA170.md): Ryan ST3KR · Springdale, AR · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 3, 1987 · N3761Q · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that shortly after takeoff, the eng lost power, recovered for a few seconds, then went to idle. Drg the few seconds that power was restored, he initiated a turn back toward the rwy. The plt said the acft started to snap roll to the left & went… - [NTSB LAX87DUG08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87DUG08.md): Boyles Starduster II · Hemet, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Aug 31, 1987 · N1189B · Substantial damage > The plt rprtd that shortly after takeoff, the eng began to 'cut out.' He moved the fuel selector to the reserve tank & activated the standby fuel pump, but was unable to restart the eng. Subsequently, the acft was damaged as the plt was making an emergency… - [NTSB CHI87DEX08](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI87DEX08.md): Champion 7KCAB · Sheridan, IN · Accident · Minor injuries · Final report · Aug 31, 1987 · N6343N · Substantial damage > On initial climbout at approximately 400' AGL the aircraft experienced a total power failure. The pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft to return to the airport, however, the aircraft was forced to land in a farm field 1/4 mile short of the airport. The… - [NTSB LAX87FA318](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87FA318.md): Bell 206L-1 · Covelo, CA · Accident · No injuries · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 27, 1987 · N22HU · Substantial damage > The pilot performed a vertical takeoff. At aprx 30 ft AGL, while transitioning to forward flight, the engine lost power and the pilot partially lowered the collective to maintain rotor RPM. The helicopter landed hard on sloping terrain and bounced laterally… Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1987&occurrence=350&page=2 ## The whole list in SQL Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS: ```sql SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1 WHERE year(c."eventDate") = 1987 AND c."mKey" IN (SELECT o.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_occurrences.parquet' o WHERE o."occurrenceNumber" = 1 AND o."occurrenceCode" = 350) ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC ``` This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=350&year=1987 --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.