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Cessna 152 Forced Landing After Power Loss on Training Flight (N4930B)

Dunkirk, NY, US

On November 25, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N4930B) operated by Dunkirk Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Dunkirk, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT IN COMMAND FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING A FORCED LANDING RESULTING IN A STALL AND HARD LANDING AFTER A ENGINE POWER FAILURE DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE AND IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL BY THE PILOT. 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

A Cessna 152 on a local training flight experienced a power loss at approximately 500 feet. After applying carburetor heat and a momentary power regain, the aircraft landed in brush, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Summary

A Cessna 152 departed on a local training flight with a student pilot and a flight instructor aboard. While approaching the departure end of the runway at approximately 500 feet above ground level, a loss of engine power occurred.

Power Loss and Attempted Recovery

The pilots applied carburetor heat, which resulted in a momentary regain of power. However, power was subsequently lost again.

Landing

A left turn was made back toward the airport, but the aircraft was unable to reach the runway and landed in an area of brush. The pilot reported that the terrain ahead contained brush piles and a grape vineyard with poles.

Damage

The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the landing.

Engine failureIcing

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Nov 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Dunkirk, NY?

A Cessna 152 on a local training flight experienced a power loss at approximately 500 feet. After applying carburetor heat and a momentary power regain, the aircraft landed in brush, resulting in substantial damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Nov 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4930B, operated by Dunkirk Aviation, at Dunkirk, NY.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT IN COMMAND FAILED TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED DURING A FORCED LANDING RESULTING IN A STALL AND HARD LANDING AFTER A ENGINE POWER FAILURE DUE TO CARBURETOR ICE AND IMPROPER USE OF THE CARBURETOR HEAT CONTROL BY THE PILOT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29874. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.