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Engine Failure on VFR Maintenance Flight Leads to Terrain Collision (N47343)

Bushnell, FL, US

On April 16, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N47343) operated by Wesley T. Herron was involved in an aviation accident near Bushnell, FL. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A FORCED LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL, IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL, AND COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. 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

A commercial pilot on a VFR maintenance flight experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to a steep turn and collision with terrain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. Post-crash examination revealed the fuel shutoff valve was in the off position.

Flight Departure

A commercial pilot departed on a visual flight rules (VFR) maintenance flight under prevailing VFR conditions. No flight plan was filed. Witnesses observed the airplane depart from Runway 09, noting that it did not utilize the full length of the available runway.

Witness Observations

The airplane became airborne at midfield and climbed to an estimated altitude of 100 to 200 feet above ground level (AGL) when the engine ceased operation. Witnesses reported that the nose of the airplane pitched upward by 10 to 20 degrees. Subsequently, the airplane slowed, and the propeller was seen to stop turning.

Accident Sequence

The airplane entered a steep left turn, estimated to exceed 60 degrees of bank. The nose then pitched downward approximately 60 degrees, and the airplane collided with terrain. The impact destroyed the aircraft.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel shutoff valve was found in the off position. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the accident.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvationAerodynamic stall

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Bushnell, FL?

A commercial pilot on a VFR maintenance flight experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff, leading to a steep turn and collision with terrain. The aircraft was destroyed, and the pilot was fatally injured. Post-crash examination revealed the fuel shutoff valve was in the off position.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1992 Cessna 152 accident?

The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N47343, operated by Wesley T. Herron, at Bushnell, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AIRSPEED (VSO) WHILE MANEUVERING DURING A FORCED LANDING. THIS RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL, IN FLIGHT LOSS OF CONTROL, AND COLLISION WITH TERRAIN. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THE FUEL TANK SELECTOR WAS IN THE ON POSITION.…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X14472. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.