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Engine Power Loss During Final Approach Leads to Field Landing and Fence Collision (N25228)

Ellensburg, WA, US

On September 11, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N25228) operated by Mid-state Aivation was involved in an aviation accident near Ellensburg, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN CURRENT IN-FLIGHT WIND INFORMATION IN ORDER TO CALCULATE THAT HIS REMAINING FUEL SUPPLY WAS ADEQUATE TO REACH HIS FINAL DESTINATION. CONTRIBUTING WAS HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING. 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

An airplane en route to Ellensburg experienced an engine power loss seven miles from its destination, forcing a landing in a field where it struck a fence. Less than two gallons of fuel remained in the tanks.

Flight Details

The flight originated at Ellensburg at 1230, with stops at Pullman and Walla Walla before returning to Ellensburg.

Accident Sequence

Seven miles from the final destination, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the airplane collided with a fence.

Post-Accident Examination

Following the accident, less than two gallons of fuel were drained from the tanks. No fuel was present in the fuel lines, and only a trace amount was found in the carburetor.

Weather Information

The pilot obtained surface, terminal, and winds aloft weather information via a home computer. The same wind direction and speed were used throughout the entire flight.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Ellensburg, WA?

An airplane en route to Ellensburg experienced an engine power loss seven miles from its destination, forcing a landing in a field where it struck a fence. Less than two gallons of fuel remained in the tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25228, operated by Mid-state Aivation, at Ellensburg, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO OBTAIN CURRENT IN-FLIGHT WIND INFORMATION IN ORDER TO CALCULATE THAT HIS REMAINING FUEL SUPPLY WAS ADEQUATE TO REACH HIS FINAL DESTINATION. CONTRIBUTING WAS HIS INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29498. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.