Casualties unknown

Pipeline Patrol Aircraft Crashes During Low-Level Maneuvers (N63930)

Breckenridge, TX, US

On August 4, 1992, a Cessna 172P (registration N63930) operated by Koch Industries, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Breckenridge, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: AN INADVERTENT STALL. 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

A pilot searching for a possible pipeline leak circled repeatedly at low altitude before the aircraft impacted terrain after a steep climbing turn.

Accident Overview

A pilot was maneuvering an aircraft along a pipeline in an attempt to locate what was thought to be a possible leak. The pilot made several passes over the area, trying to pinpoint the source. After multiple attempts, the pilot radioed the repair crews on the ground, instructing them to proceed to their next job assignment.

Witness Account

A witness reported observing the airplane circle the area several times, with each pass being lower than the previous one. During the final pass, the airplane descended below the tree line. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft made a climbing left turn, described as having an "acute angle up," just prior to descending and impacting the ground.

Aftermath

The accident resulted in damage to the aircraft. No further details are available from the source regarding injuries, fatalities, or the condition of the pilot. The investigation into the circumstances of the accident is not described in the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 4 Aug 1992 Cessna 172P accident near Breckenridge, TX?

A pilot searching for a possible pipeline leak circled repeatedly at low altitude before the aircraft impacted terrain after a steep climbing turn.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 4 Aug 1992 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N63930, operated by Koch Industries, Inc., at Breckenridge, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

AN INADVERTENT STALL.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15401. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.