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Tow Aircraft Engine Failure During Climb Results in Forced Landing (N5166G)

Gregory, MI, US

On August 28, 1988, a Cessna 305A (registration N5166G) was involved in an aviation accident near Gregory, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE (AT FIRST PARTIAL, THEN TOTAL) OF THE AIRCRAFT'S POWERPLANT AT AN ALTITUDE OF ABOUT 100 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND DURING THE INITIAL CLIMBOUT WITH A GLIDER IN TOW; A FORCED LANDING ENSUED, DURING WHICH THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A FENCE, A SMALL TREE, AND… 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A tow aircraft experienced an engine failure while climbing with a glider in tow. The pilot made a forced landing in a field, striking a fence and tree. Post-accident tests found no mechanical fault, but fuel levels exceeded the no-takeoff limit.

Incident Overview and Immediate Actions During the climb, the aircraft was towing a glider when the engine began to run rough and subsequently failed completely. The pilot executed a forced landing in a grassy, rolling field. During the approach, the aircraft struck a fence and a small tree before impacting the ground. The glider released from the tow and landed without incident. ## Post-Accident Examination Investigators examined the powerplant, its systems, and accessories, finding no evidence of pre-impact mechanical malfunction or difficulty. A subsequent run-up of the engine performed satisfactorily. ## Fuel Quantity and Operational Limits Investigators drained 7.5 gallons of 80/87 octane aviation fuel from each of the two fuel tanks. The aircraft has a 'no takeoff' value of 6.75 gallons or less. This limit was established due to the positioning of the fuel tank outlets and the resulting possibility of fuel flow interruption in various flight attitudes.

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Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26469. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.