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Engine Power Loss Leads to Runway Excursion During Aborted Takeoff (N7159M)

Lawrence, KS, US

On December 22, 1988, a Cessna 175 (registration N7159M) operated by Fitch, Henry G. was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Both spark plugs on the No. 3 cylinder were malfunctioning, one was dead and the other fired intermittently. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff, the engine misfired and lost power. The pilot aborted but could not stop on remaining runway, exiting into a field where the aircraft nosed down and sustained substantial damage. Investigation found two malfunctioning spark plugs on one cylinder.

Incident Overview

Shortly after beginning the takeoff roll, the pilot experienced a misfiring engine accompanied by a loss of power. In response, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff. However, the aircraft was unable to stop within the remaining runway distance. It departed the runway end, entered a farm field, and nosed down, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

Pilot Actions and Runway Usage

The pilot reported that the takeoff was initiated from an intersection, leaving an estimated usable runway length of approximately 3,000 feet, rather than the full available length of 5,000 feet. This reduced margin likely contributed to the inability to stop on the runway after the abort decision.

Investigation Findings

A post-incident examination of the engine revealed that both spark plugs on the No. 3 cylinder were malfunctioning. One spark plug was completely dead, while the other fired intermittently. This condition would have caused the reported engine misfire and power loss during the takeoff phase.

Probable cause

Both spark plugs on the No. 3 cylinder were malfunctioning, one was dead and the other fired intermittently.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Dec 1988 Cessna 175 accident near Lawrence, KS?

During takeoff, the engine misfired and lost power. The pilot aborted but could not stop on remaining runway, exiting into a field where the aircraft nosed down and sustained substantial damage. Investigation found two malfunctioning spark plugs on one cylinder.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 175, registration N7159M, operated by Fitch, Henry G., at Lawrence, KS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Both spark plugs on the No. 3 cylinder were malfunctioning, one was dead and the other fired intermittently.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27481. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.