No fatalities

Cessna 172 Loses Power, Lands on Road and Strikes Sign (CGCGP)

Marienville, PA, US

On February 5, 1987, a Cessna 172M (registration CGCGP) operated by Fred Thompson was involved in an aviation accident near Marienville, 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 Cessna 172 experienced a total loss of power at 4,000 ft on an IFR flight. The pilot performed a road landing, clipped a sign after touchdown, and the aircraft entered a ditch, sustaining substantial damage. Both occupants were uninjured.

Incident Overview

A Cessna 172 aircraft, operating under an Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) flight plan, suffered a complete loss of engine power while cruising at an altitude of 4,000 feet. The pilot executed a forced landing on a roadway. During the landing roll, the aircraft clipped a road sign after touchdown, then swerved into an adjacent ditch. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. Fortunately, both occupants on board were not injured.

Engine Examination

A post-incident examination of the aircraft's engine revealed extensive metal contamination throughout. A failed connecting rod was found on the number 4 cylinder. Additionally, the camshaft and lifters exhibited extensive wear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Feb 1987 Cessna 172M accident near Marienville, PA?

A Cessna 172 experienced a total loss of power at 4,000 ft on an IFR flight. The pilot performed a road landing, clipped a sign after touchdown, and the aircraft entered a ditch, sustaining substantial damage. Both occupants were uninjured.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Feb 1987 Cessna 172M accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Feb 1987 involved a Cessna 172M, registration CGCGP, operated by Fred Thompson, at Marienville, PA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30314. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.