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Cessna 152 Strikes Fence During Simulated Forced Landing (N25884)

Irwindale, CA, US

On April 10, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N25884) was involved in an aviation accident near Irwindale, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: IMPROPER PROCEDURE USED BY THE CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR IN SIMULATING AN ENGINE FAILURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE OF THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a simulated engine failure training flight, a Cessna 152 struck a fence and nosed over after the engine failed to restart and the landing area was overshot. The carburetor fuel bowl was empty.

Overview

A Cessna 152 collided with a fence during a forced landing. The aircraft was on a training flight when the flight instructor simulated an engine failure.

Sequence of Events

At 4,000 feet MSL, the certified flight instructor (CFI) switched the fuel shutoff valve to the OFF position to simulate an engine failure. The student pilot then switched the fuel shutoff valve to the ON position, but the engine did not regain RPM. The CFI double-checked to confirm the student had switched the fuel shutoff valve to the ON position, at which point the engine began to fire and then quit.

The CFI then checked the fuel shutoff valve again, along with the mixture control, magnetos, and engine primer. At 2,000 feet MSL, the propeller stopped turning. The CFI engaged the starter in an attempt to restart the engine.

The CFI overshot the intended landing area and selected another road, but landed short of it. The aircraft struck a fence and nosed over.

Post-Accident Examination

After the accident, the aircraft was examined. The carburetor fuel bowl was found empty of fuel.

Advisory Circular Reference

AC 61-21 states, in part, 'the CFI should give simulated forced landings by retarding the throttle.'

Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 152 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 10 Apr 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Irwindale, CA?

During a simulated engine failure training flight, a Cessna 152 struck a fence and nosed over after the engine failed to restart and the landing area was overshot. The carburetor fuel bowl was empty.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 10 Apr 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25884, at Irwindale, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

IMPROPER PROCEDURE USED BY THE CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR IN SIMULATING AN ENGINE FAILURE. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE LACK OF TOTAL FLIGHT INSTRUCTION EXPERIENCE OF THE FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28122. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.