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Engine Failure During Takeoff Leads to Forced Landing and Post-Crash Fire (N25776)

Buena Park, CA, US

On September 13, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N25776) operated by Liberty Aviation Services was involved in an aviation accident near Buena Park, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADEQUATE PERFORMED PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE DUAL STUDENT AND THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE DUAL STUDENT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT. CONTAMINATED FUEL WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 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 training flight, the engine failed at 150 feet after takeoff. The instructor performed a forced landing, but the aircraft struck a residence and street, nosed over, and a post-crash fire consumed the cabin.

Preflight and Takeoff

The instructor pilot and his non-certificated student pilot were preparing for takeoff and landing training. According to the instructor, the student pilot was finishing the preflight when the instructor arrived at the aircraft. The instructor stated that he checked the oil and made a visual check of the fuel quantity in the right wing tank.

Engine Failure

The student pilot executed the takeoff. As the aircraft climbed to 150 feet above the runway, the engine failed. The instructor then took over the controls to conduct an off-airport forced landing.

Forced Landing and Post-Crash Fire

During the forced landing, the aircraft collided with a residence, impacted the ground in a street, and nosed over onto its back. A post-crash fire consumed the cabin section. No further details regarding injuries or aircraft damage are specified in the source.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Sept 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Buena Park, CA?

During a training flight, the engine failed at 150 feet after takeoff. The instructor performed a forced landing, but the aircraft struck a residence and street, nosed over, and a post-crash fire consumed the cabin.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Sept 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N25776, operated by Liberty Aviation Services, at Buena Park, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INADEQUATE PERFORMED PREFLIGHT INSPECTION BY THE DUAL STUDENT AND THE INADEQUATE SUPERVISION OF THE DUAL STUDENT BY THE INSTRUCTOR PILOT. CONTAMINATED FUEL WAS A FACTOR IN THE ACCIDENT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29402. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.