Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Due to Fuel Line Blockage (N68806)

San Antonio, TX, US

On February 10, 1988, a Cessna 152 (registration N68806) operated by Charles E. Tatum was involved in an aviation accident near San Antonio, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A partial blockage of the fuel line to the selector valve by unidentified rubber-like foreign material, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power during the final approach. 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 2026-06-22Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power during the final approach phase, necessitating an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain. Investigation revealed that a fuel line was partially obstructed by foreign material.

What happened

The pilot reported experiencing a complete and sudden loss of engine power while the aircraft was established on the final approach to land. Due to the immediate lack of thrust, the pilot was unable to maintain altitude or reach the runway. Consequently, the aircraft had to be landed on unsuitable terrain in the vicinity of the airport.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system to determine the root cause of the power loss. The inspection revealed that a fuel line leading to the selector valve was partially blocked by an unidentified rubber-like foreign material. This obstruction restricted fuel flow to the engine, resulting in the failure.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to the accident was the partial blockage of the fuel line by foreign material. This mechanical issue directly led to the fuel exhaustion and subsequent forced landing on terrain not designed for aircraft operations.

Probable cause

A partial blockage of the fuel line to the selector valve by unidentified rubber-like foreign material, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power during the final approach.

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Feb 1988 Cessna 152 accident near San Antonio, TX?

A pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power during the final approach phase, necessitating an emergency landing on unsuitable terrain. Investigation revealed that a fuel line was partially obstructed by foreign material.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Feb 1988 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68806, operated by Charles E. Tatum, at San Antonio, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A partial blockage of the fuel line to the selector valve by unidentified rubber-like foreign material, which resulted in a complete loss of engine power during the final approach.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X25078. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.