Casualties unknown

Cessna 172 Makes Forced Landing in Corn Field After Fuel Exhaustion (N9108B)

Lancaster, PA, US

On October 11, 1988, a Cessna 172 (registration N9108B) operated by Robert A. Reed was involved in an aviation accident near Lancaster, PA. 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

A Cessna 172 pilot, returning solo from Atlantic City, ran out of fuel and landed in a corn field, causing the aircraft to flip over. No fuel was found in the wreckage.

Flight Details

The pilot of a Cessna 172 was conducting a solo personal flight from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Atlantic City, New Jersey. Before departure from Harrisburg, the pilot fueled the aircraft with 20 gallons of fuel. Upon arrival in Atlantic City, no refueling was performed for the return flight to Hanover, Pennsylvania.

Forced Landing

During the return leg, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing in a corn field. Following touchdown, the aircraft flipped over.

Investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed that no fuel was present in the aircraft. The pilot stated that he had not refueled during the stop in Atlantic City. The flight was conducted as a personal flight, not in connection with flight training.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Oct 1988 Cessna 172 accident near Lancaster, PA?

A Cessna 172 pilot, returning solo from Atlantic City, ran out of fuel and landed in a corn field, causing the aircraft to flip over. No fuel was found in the wreckage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Oct 1988 involved a Cessna 172, registration N9108B, operated by Robert A. Reed, at Lancaster, PA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27157. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.