Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Clout Leads to Forced Landing and Nose Gear Collapse (N89856)

W.stafford, CT, US

On July 17, 1985, a Cessna 152 (registration N89856) was involved in an aviation accident near W.stafford, CT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the loss of power was not determined. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

After takeoff at 3000 ft, engine power dropped to 1000 RPM with propeller windmilling. Restart attempts failed, pilot shut down engine and forced landed in a field. Nose gear collapsed after hitting a hole, aircraft nosed over. Cause of power loss not determined.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that shortly after takeoff, upon reaching an altitude of 3000 feet, the engine power dropped to 1000 revolutions per minute while the propeller windmilled. The pilot attempted the engine restart procedure but was unsuccessful.

Actions Taken

Following the failed restart, the pilot shut down the engine and performed a forced landing in a field. During the landing roll, the nose gear contacted a hole in the terrain, causing the gear to collapse. The aircraft subsequently nosed over.

Investigation

The cause of the power loss was not determined. The investigation did not identify a specific reason for the engine power reduction.

Probable cause

The cause of the loss of power was not determined.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Jul 1985 Cessna 152 accident near W.stafford, CT?

After takeoff at 3000 ft, engine power dropped to 1000 RPM with propeller windmilling. Restart attempts failed, pilot shut down engine and forced landed in a field. Nose gear collapsed after hitting a hole, aircraft nosed over. Cause of power loss not determined.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Jul 1985 involved a Cessna 152, registration N89856, at W.stafford, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the loss of power was not determined.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37267. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.