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Engine Failure Leads to Emergency Landing and Nose Gear Collapse (N66068)

Ridge Spring, SC, US

On August 13, 1990, a Cessna 172 (registration N66068) was involved in an aviation accident near Ridge Spring, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE OF THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY/OWNER TO FOLLOW STANDARD PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXTEND THE FLAPS DURING THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 cruise, an engine failure occurred after a loud bang. The pilot conducted an emergency landing in a field, but the nose gear struck a ditch, causing the aircraft to nose over and collapse the gear.

Incident Overview

The pilot was cruising when a loud bang was heard. Shortly thereafter, the engine ceased operation. The pilot identified an open field for an emergency landing.

Emergency Landing

After clearing a tree line, the pilot executed a touchdown described as normal. During the landing roll, the nose gear collided with a ditch, causing the airplane to nose over. The nose gear collapsed as a result.

Engine Examination

Post-incident examination of the engine revealed that the No. 4 exhaust valve was stuck. Additionally, the push rod and housing assemblies had been displaced from their normal positions. The engine had accumulated 345 hours of operation beyond the suggested overhaul time at the time the valve stuck.

Pilot Actions

During the emergency procedure, the pilot did not extend the wing flaps.

Engine failure

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Aug 1990 Cessna 172 accident near Ridge Spring, SC?

During cruise, an engine failure occurred after a loud bang. The pilot conducted an emergency landing in a field, but the nose gear struck a ditch, causing the aircraft to nose over and collapse the gear.

Were there any fatalities in the 13 Aug 1990 Cessna 172 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 172, registration N66068, at Ridge Spring, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE FAILURE OF THE MAINTENANCE FACILITY/OWNER TO FOLLOW STANDARD PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES. A FACTOR WAS THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO EXTEND THE FLAPS DURING THE FORCED LANDING.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23890. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.