Casualties unknown

Aircraft Noses Over After Emergency Landing on Rising Terrain During Cross-Country Flight (N1935F)

Ritter Butte, OR, US

On April 25, 1987, a Cessna 172N (registration N1935F) operated by Bob Tuning was involved in an aviation accident near Ritter Butte, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

During a cross-country flight, a pilot experienced gradual loss of radio and navigation instruments followed by fuel gauges indicating near-empty. Selecting a road landing, he executed a go-around to avoid a car but was unable to outclimb terrain, resulting in a hard landing and nose-over.

Incident Details

During a cross-country flight, the pilot noticed that his communications radio and navigational instruments were gradually becoming inoperative. Shortly afterward, the fuel gauges indicated that the fuel level was quickly approaching empty. With hostile terrain ahead, the pilot elected to land on a road.

Actions Taken

Just prior to touchdown, the pilot observed a car in his intended landing path. He initiated a go-around and turned the aircraft. However, the aircraft was unable to outclimb the rising terrain. The pilot then landed the aircraft on the rising terrain, where the nose wheel dug into the ground and broke off, causing the aircraft to nosed over into an inverted position.

Findings

Subsequent examination revealed no abnormalities other than a dead battery. Fuel stains were evident on the ground, and approximately 8 or more gallons of fuel remained in the fuel tanks.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Apr 1987 Cessna 172N accident near Ritter Butte, OR?

During a cross-country flight, a pilot experienced gradual loss of radio and navigation instruments followed by fuel gauges indicating near-empty. Selecting a road landing, he executed a go-around to avoid a car but was unable to outclimb terrain, resulting in a hard landing and nose-over.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Apr 1987 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N1935F, operated by Bob Tuning, at Ritter Butte, OR.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30831. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.