Casualties unknown

Student Pilot's Engine Quits During Cross-Country Flight; Aircraft Noses Over in Forced Landing (N68747)

Coburg, OR, US

On March 9, 1987, a Cessna 152 (registration N68747) was involved in an aviation accident near Coburg, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion leading to engine failure. 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

A student pilot on a cross-country flight experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion after course deviations around rain showers. The aircraft nosed over during a forced landing on wet grass.

Flight Details

A student pilot was conducting a long cross-country flight as part of the requirements for a private pilot certificate. Before reaching the home airport, the student's instructor communicated from the ground and advised the student not to land at the home airport but instead to continue to another airport and then return, as the student needed additional flight time.

Incident

Small rain showers were present in the area, and the student pilot made several course deviations. While south of the destination airport, the engine stopped operating due to a lack of fuel.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing onto wet grass. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion leading to engine failure.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Mar 1987 Cessna 152 accident near Coburg, OR?

A student pilot on a cross-country flight experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion after course deviations around rain showers. The aircraft nosed over during a forced landing on wet grass.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68747, at Coburg, OR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion leading to engine failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30551. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.