Casualties unknown

1983-09-04: Cessna 120 (N77321) — Punxsutawney, PA

Punxsutawney, PA, US

On September 4, 1983, a Cessna 120 (registration N77321) was involved in an aviation accident near Punxsutawney, PA. 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 1781061362Data 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.

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.