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Engine Power Loss During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing and Inversion (N5354Q)

Lawrencevile, GA, US

On August 19, 1990, a Cessna 172P (registration N5354Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrencevile, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane experienced a loss of engine power while cruising at 7,500 feet MSL. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted a restart without success, leading to a forced landing. During rollout on soft terrain, the airplane inverted, resulting in substantial damage.

Accident Details

An airplane experienced a loss of engine power while in cruise at 7,500 feet MSL. The pilot switched fuel from the left main tank to the right main tank and attempted a restart, but was unsuccessful. The pilot was committed to a forced landing. During the rollout on soft terrain, the airplane pitched forward onto the nose wheel and left wingtip, coming to rest in an inverted position. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

Occupant Injuries

The passenger reported no injury. The pilot sustained minor injury.

Fuel System Examination

Post-accident inspection revealed that the left auxiliary tank and the right main tank contained fuel, while the left main tank was empty. Tests affirmed that fuel transfer and engine operation functioned normally when fuel was available.

Mechanical Discrepancy

No mechanical discrepancy was found that would account for the loss of engine power.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Aug 1990 Cessna 172P accident near Lawrencevile, GA?

An airplane experienced a loss of engine power while cruising at 7,500 feet MSL. The pilot switched fuel tanks and attempted a restart without success, leading to a forced landing. During rollout on soft terrain, the airplane inverted, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 19 Aug 1990 Cessna 172P accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Aug 1990 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N5354Q, at Lawrencevile, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23891. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.