Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB analysis
The private pilot stated that, about 30-40 minutes into the cross-country flight, at an altitude of 3,500 ft, the engine suddenly experienced a total loss of power. The pilot turned on the fuel boost pump, adjusted the mixture, and switched fuel tanks to restart the engine. The propeller rotated, but the engine did not start. The pilot subsequently landed the airplane in a soybean field. Upon touching down, the nose gear dug into the dirt and the airplane nosed over. A postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any preexisting mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have resulted in the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN16LA382 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 21, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Wooster, Ohio
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA 28-140
- N-number
- N4470X
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.