Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, the flight was cruising at 4,500 feet mean sea level (msl) when he initiated a descent in order to avoid some clouds. As the airplane descended through approximately 4,000 feet msl, the engine started to "sputter." The pilot switched fuel tanks, but he could not restore engine power. The pilot set up for a forced landing to a small road. The airplane touched down on the road, bounced, departed the left side of the road, and impacted an embankment. An examination of the airplane and engine revealed no preimpact mechanical anomalies.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CHI08LA171 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 22, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Watseka, Illinois
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Piper PA-28R-200
- N-number
- N6144J
- Category
- Airplane
- 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.