# NTSB investigations, 1997: Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf

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 2 · 91 cases

## Latest cases

- [NTSB NYC98LA056](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA056.md): Mooney M20F · Ferncliff, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 28, 1997 · N9717M · Destroyed
  > the improper installation of the engine oil temperature probe which resulted in oil starvation and a total loss of engine power. A factor in the accident was the pilot's overflight of available airports in an effort to reach the 'Nearest Airport' displayed on…
- [NTSB LAX98LA058](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA058.md): Bellanca 8KCAB · Truckee, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 20, 1997 · N5058L · Substantial damage
  > internal mechanical failure of the engine due to a progressive failure of the No. 3 connecting rod assembly. A contributing factor was the snow pack which covered the only accessible emergency landing area.
- [NTSB NYC98LA045](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA045.md): Piper PA-28R-200 · Fairplain, WV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 19, 1997 · N9418N · Destroyed
  > an improper overhaul of the fuel servo by the manufacturer, which resulted in the loss of engine power. Factors in the accident were the dark night conditions and rough forced landing terrain.
- [NTSB FTW98LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA062.md): Cessna 175A · Houston, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 13, 1997 · N6846E · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power resulting from detonation and the ensuing failure of the engine piston and connecting rod components. Factors were: the instructor's decision to take off with a known deficiency (magneto drop over limit), the flight instructor's…
- [NTSB MIA98LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA037.md): Cessna FR-172J · Marietta, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 1, 1997 · N14493 · Destroyed
  > A catastrophic failure of the oil cooler core which led to overboard porting of lubricating oil and subsequent engine failure.
- [NTSB LAX98LA046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA046.md): Piper PA-32-300 · Saipan, Mali · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 26, 1997 · N1256H · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons that resulted in the pilot ditching the aircraft into the ocean.
- [NTSB MIA98LA034](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA98LA034.md): Cessna 152 · Palatka, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 18, 1997 · N68327 · Substantial damage
  > the student pilot's failure to properly secure the oilcap/dipstick within it's integral oil filler tube during his preflight inspection.
- [NTSB FTW98LA050](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA050.md): Cessna 172G · Van, TX · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 17, 1997 · N202EX · Substantial damage
  > fuel starvation, resulting from restricted carburetor float travel, due to improper maintenance installation. The encounter with a power line was related factor.
- [NTSB FTW98LA039](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA039.md): Cessna 175 · Arnaudville, LA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 2, 1997 · N9437B · Substantial damage
  > a cracked fuel line, which allowed air to enter the line and lead to fuel starvation and loss of engine power. A related factor was: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB LAX98LA037](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX98LA037.md): Rodgers/Gaust RV-6 · Wellington, NV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 1, 1997 · N44JR · Substantial damage
  > Fuel starvation due to a fatigue fractured mixture control cable. Contributing factors were the soft, brush-covered emergency landing field.
- [NTSB CHI98FA028](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI98FA028.md): Beech BE 58 · New Berlin, IL · Accident · 6 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Oct 30, 1997 · N472TL · Destroyed
  > A loss of engine power due to separation of the left engine's number 2 connecting rod as a result of fatigue failure. Also causal was the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall/spin. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB NYC98LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA015.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Scottsville, VA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 20, 1997 · N2200J · Substantial damage
  > improper engine operation by undetermined person(s) that initiated gauling on the connecting rod, and led to its subsequent failure.
- [NTSB FTW98LA026](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA026.md): Cessna 182P · Thompsons, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 1997 · N10DG · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power resulting from a disconnected carburetor float due to improper maintenance. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL98LA003](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL98LA003.md): Cessna 150M · Miami, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 19, 1997 · N7814U · Substantial damage
  > excessive wear to the number one valve stem and valve stem keepers that resulted in the separation of the valve assembly.
- [NTSB FTW98LA016](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW98LA016.md): Grumman-Schweizer G-164A · Altus, OK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 15, 1997 · N8819H · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the cracked cylinder. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB IAD98LA004](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/IAD98LA004.md): Ford RV-4 · Dansville, NY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 8, 1997 · N17PQ · Substantial damage
  > The internal mechanical failure of the engine driven fuel pump which resulted in a loss of engine power.
- [NTSB NYC98LA005](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA005.md): Cessna 120 · Mineral Wells, WV · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 4, 1997 · N76898 · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power to a blockage in the carburetor resulting in fuel starvation.
- [NTSB NYC98LA001](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC98LA001.md): Cessna T210L · Gt. Barrington, MA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Oct 1, 1997 · N29134 · Substantial damage
  > slippage of the number 2 main bearing for undetermined reason(s) which resulted in a broken crankshaft.
- [NTSB ATL97LA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA143.md): Piper PA-28-181 · Fulton, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 28, 1997 · N35652 · Substantial damage
  > The excessively rich mixture produced by the carburetor, which led to the fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ATL97LA136](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA136.md): Cessna A188B · Zellwood, FL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 22, 1997 · N53172 · Substantial damage
  > failure of mechanics to adequately torque the crankcase through-bolts following a top overhaul, which subsequently resulted in a crankshaft failure. Soft/uneven terrain in the emergency landing area was a related factor.
- [NTSB MIA97LA243](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA243.md): Piper PA-32RT-300 · Oxford, NC · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 13, 1997 · N9385C · Substantial damage
  > fatigue failure of the No.4 connecting rod in an area where galling had occurred, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of communication by failing to select the proper UNICOM frequency; and his…
- [NTSB MIA97FA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97FA242.md): Mooney M20F · Coral Springs, FL · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 11, 1997 · N6417Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's misjudging the distance vs. altitude resulting in the collision with the water short of the intended touchdown point of the rough field. Contributing to the accident was the total loss of engine power due to failure of the No. 3 cylinder…
- [NTSB ANC97FA143](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA143.md): Aero Commander AC-500A · Ketchikan, AK · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Sep 6, 1997 · N543AN · Destroyed
  > The rupture of the right engine fuel supply line as a result of inadequate inspection by the pilot/mechanic, and the pilot's excessive pull up which resulted in exceeding the design stress limits of the airplane. Factors were the improper emergency procedures…
- [NTSB LAX97LA307](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA307.md): Cessna T210M · San Martin, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 29, 1997 · N761HQ · Substantial damage
  > Installation of improper connecting hardware by maintenance personnel, and, the inadequate inspection of the installed hardware by inspection personnel resulting in separation of the engine throttle linkage.
- [NTSB CHI97LA273](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA273.md): Cessna 188B · South Haven, MI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 26, 1997 · N21639 · Substantial damage
  > failure of a connecting rod in the engine assembly, which resulted in loss of engine power and a forced landing. Factors relating to the accident were: lack of a recommended engine overhaul, and the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.
- [NTSB FTW97LA321](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA321.md): Air Tractor AT-400 · Sudan, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 25, 1997 · N3654G · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to the failure of a compressor turbine blade. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB SEA97LA195](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA195.md): Cessna 170 · Elk City, ID · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1997 · N3964V · Destroyed
  > Oil starvation of the engine due to undetermined reasons, which led to the failure and separation of a main bearing and a connecting rod. A factor contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for a successful forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL97LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA124.md): Cessna 414A · Anderson, SC · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 24, 1997 · N4668N · Substantial damage
  > the pilot misjudged distance and speed on final approach to land and failed to attain a proper touchdown point during the landing, which resulted in an overrun of the runway and collision with a fence. A related factor was the loss of engine power during…
- [NTSB SEA97LA193](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA97LA193.md): Cessna TU206G · Edwall, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 18, 1997 · N6620Z · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft. Factors contributing to the accident were the rolling terrain, and the fence.
- [NTSB CHI97LA260](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA260.md): Cessna 182 · Derby, KS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 17, 1997 · N9952T · Destroyed
  > the Airworthiness Directive and propeller overhaul not being complied with. Factors to the accident were the propeller blade retention failure and rough/uneven terrain condition.
- [NTSB FTW97FA304](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97FA304.md): Grumman G-164 · Wilmot, AR · Accident · 1 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1997 · N634U · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to a fractured throttle cable because the cable housing prevents an inspection of the cable by maintenance personnel. Factors were the pilot's impairment due to a heart attack, the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing,…
- [NTSB ATL97FA115](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97FA115.md): Mooney M20F · Tallahassee, FL · Accident · 2 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Aug 11, 1997 · N3455X · Destroyed
  > fatigue failure of the crankshaft for undetermined reasons. Related factors were: darkness, and obstructions (trees) in the emergency landing area.
- [NTSB LAX97LA280](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA280.md): North American Navion B · Las Vegas, NV · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 10, 1997 · N512AK · Destroyed
  > The separation of the number 3 cylinder due to improper overhaul procedures, and the failure to adequately torque the cylinder hold down nuts and through bolts to specification.
- [NTSB LAX97LA269](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA269.md): Mitteer Mini 500 · Agua Dulce, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 1, 1997 · N501GM · Substantial damage
  > failure of the owner/builder to obtain and comply with service literature from the kit manufacturer, which resulted in improper setting of the carburetor fuel mixture and led to loss of engine power. An additional cause was the pilot's failure to successfully…
- [NTSB LAX97LA266](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA266.md): Piper PA-28R-180 · Buckeye, AZ · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 31, 1997 · N4667J · Substantial damage
  > The total oil exhaustion of the engine due to the inadequate maintenance installation of the oil cooler lines by the owner/mechanic.
- [NTSB MIA97LA222](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA97LA222.md): Waco YMF5 · Lake Buena Vist, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 28, 1997 · N14128 · Substantial damage
  > failure of maintenance personnel to follow installation procedures pertaining to the torque of the propeller retention nut, which resulted in a loose propeller retention nut, subsequent fatigue failure of the crankshaft, and loss of engine power. The lack of…
- [NTSB ANC97LA112](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA112.md): Cessna 206 · Palmer, AK · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 26, 1997 · N9412Z · Substantial damage
  > A fatigue failure of the engine crankshaft, and an inadequate engine cylinder replacement by maintenance personnel. A factor in the accident was unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB NYC97GA148](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC97GA148.md): Schweizer 269C · Baltimore, MD · Accident · Serious injuries · Final report · Jul 18, 1997 · N6129Q · Destroyed
  > A total loss of engine power which was a result of incomplete and improper engine overhaul by company maintenance personnel. A factor in the accident was the unsuitable forced landing area terrain.
- [NTSB LAX97LA247](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA247.md): Sikorsky S-58T · Page, AZ · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 18, 1997 · N47B · Substantial damage
  > an engine failure resulting from the fracture of two power turbine blades, which had been previously subjected to a hot or hung start.
- [NTSB ATL97LA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA104.md): Cessna 177RG · Knoxville, TN · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 16, 1997 · N52120 · Substantial damage
  > the pilot's inadequate preflight by failing to ensure the oil filler cap was secured during his preflight inspection, and loss of engine oil (oil exhaustion), which resulted in subsequent engine failure. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of…
- [NTSB LAX97LA242](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA242.md): Cessna 180K · Lake Mead, NV · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 15, 1997 · N2914K · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the number 4 piston for undetermined reasons.
- [NTSB ANC97FA097](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97FA097.md): Piper PA-32 · Skagway, AK · Accident · 4 fatal · Field investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 1997 · N15199 · Destroyed
  > jamming/failure of the left magneto impulse coupling, which stopped rotation of the magneto gear, and resulted in subsequent shearing of the accessory intermediate idler gear. Factors relating to the accident were: the lack of suitable terrain for a forced…
- [NTSB ATL97LA091](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA091.md): Beech E50 · Tullahoma, TN · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 28, 1997 · N4265R · Substantial damage
  > improper operation of the engine that produced internal damage, and improper servicing of the airplane by the owner/pilot mechanic that resulted in the subsequent mechanical failure of the engine crankshaft counterweight. Contributing to the accident was the…
- [NTSB LAX97IA209](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97IA209.md): McDonnell Douglas MD-83 · Las Vegas, NV · Incident · No injuries · Incident investigation · Final report · Jun 18, 1997 · N875RA · Minor damage
  > the maintenance/overhaul facility's improper repair, which led to obstructed oil supply hole(s) at the #5 bearing inner race, then oil starvation and subsequent uncontained engine failure.
- [NTSB FTW97LA223](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA223.md): Air Tractor AT-400A · Black Oak, AR · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 13, 1997 · N3161J · Destroyed
  > The loss of engine power due to compressor turbine blade failure. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
- [NTSB ATL97LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL97LA084.md): Piper PA-28-180 · Columbus, MS · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1997 · N7581W · Substantial damage
  > inadequate maintenance/inspection and subsequent corrosion of the air filter, which resulted in pieces of the air filter to block the intake to the carburetor and result in loss of engine power. A factor relating to the accident was: failure of maintenance…
- [NTSB ANC97LA084](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA084.md): Anderson Kitfox IV-1200 · Fairbanks, AK · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 5, 1997 · N85TA · Substantial damage
  > a seized crankshaft connecting rod bearing. A factor relating to the acciden was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.
- [NTSB FTW97LA202](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW97LA202.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Lamar, CO · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 1997 · N4829Y · Substantial damage
  > Failure of the left magneto and crank shaft idler drive gears. Factors were failure to perform a 100 hour inspection and unsuitable terrain for a forced landing.
- [NTSB CHI97LA145](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI97LA145.md): Ercoupe 415-G · Colusa, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 24, 1997 · N94415 · Substantial damage
  > improper installation of the rocker arm assembly by maintenance personnel which led to the failure of the rocker arm. A factor was the soft terrain.
- [NTSB LAX97LA192](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX97LA192.md): Crosby GEE BEE Sportster · Watsonville, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 23, 1997 · N11044 · Substantial damage
  > an unknown failure of the engine oil system, which resulted in loss of oil and a seized engine.

Next page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb.md?year=1997&occurrence=351&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") = 1997
  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" = 351)
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb?occurrence=351&year=1997

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