No fatalities

Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Corn Field Landing Following Navigation Issues (N77321)

Punxsutawney, PA, US

On September 4, 1983, a Cessna 120 (registration N77321) was involved in an aviation accident near Punxsutawney, PA. No fatalities were reported. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported that after recharging a dead battery by flying around the airport, he became lost and experienced fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing in a corn field.

Preflight

According to the pilot, upon entering the aircraft, he discovered that the master switch had been left on and the battery was depleted. To recharge the battery before departing for his destination, he flew around the airport for approximately 45 minutes.

Flight

After departing, the pilot arrived in the vicinity of his destination but was unable to locate the airport despite searching for about 30 minutes. Air traffic control provided a D/F steer to guide him toward the airport. During this phase, the pilot began to experience fuel exhaustion. He switched to the other fuel tank, which indicated 1/8 full, and continued toward the destination.

Landing

The flight subsequently experienced complete fuel exhaustion and was forced to land in a corn field.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Sept 1983 Cessna 120 accident near Punxsutawney, PA?

A pilot reported that after recharging a dead battery by flying around the airport, he became lost and experienced fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing in a corn field.

Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 1983 Cessna 120 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Sept 1983 involved a Cessna 120, registration N77321, at Punxsutawney, PA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X44677. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.