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Casualties unknown

Engine Failure During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing (N3943L)

Deepwater, MO, US

On September 1, 1985, a Cessna 172G (registration N3943L) was involved in an aviation accident near Deepwater, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cause of the accident could not be determined because the investigation found no evidence to explain the in-flight loss of engine power. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced an unexplained engine failure during cruise at 2,000 feet, resulting in a forced landing in a field with tree impacts. Investigation found no mechanical cause.

What happened

The aircraft was operating in the cruise phase of flight at an altitude of 2,000 feet when the engine began to run roughly. Approximately 50 minutes after takeoff, the engine lost RPM and subsequently quit completely. The pilot executed a forced landing in a small field. During the landing roll, the aircraft collided with trees.

The investigation

A mechanical inspection was conducted on the engine following the incident. The investigation included running the engine to 1,800 RPM to check for anomalies. However, this examination failed to reveal any evidence or mechanical defects that would explain the reported loss of power.

Probable cause

The cause of the accident could not be determined because the investigation found no evidence to explain the in-flight loss of engine power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Sept 1985 Cessna 172G accident near Deepwater, MO?

An aircraft experienced an unexplained engine failure during cruise at 2,000 feet, resulting in a forced landing in a field with tree impacts. Investigation found no mechanical cause.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Sept 1985 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N3943L, at Deepwater, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the accident could not be determined because the investigation found no evidence to explain the in-flight loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X37858. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.