Casualties unknown

Left Engine Failure Leads to Forced Landing in Corn Field (N7882Q)

Almont, MI, US

On September 3, 1992, a Cessna 402B (registration N7882Q) operated by Royal Air Freight was involved in an aviation accident near Almont, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left engine's fuel pump was defective and had flooded the engine. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

A twin-engine cargo airplane experienced a left engine failure while preparing to land. The pilot lost airspeed during single-engine transition, could not turn due to stall warning, and landed in a corn field. Investigation found a defective fuel pump flooded the engine.

Event Overview

A twin-engine cargo airplane was preparing to enter a base leg for landing when the left engine ceased operating. The pilot attempted to transition to single-engine operations but reported that the airplane's airspeed dropped below the single-engine best rate of climb airspeed, resulting in a descent.

Pilot Actions

During the approach, the pilot stated that he was unable to turn onto the base leg because attempting to do so activated the stall warning system. He also indicated he could not lower the airplane's pitch attitude to regain airspeed due to low altitude. Consequently, the pilot elected to land the airplane in a corn field.

Investigation Findings

On-scene investigation and post-accident testing revealed that the left engine's fuel pump was defective and had flooded the engine, causing it to cease operating. No other factors were identified.

Probable cause

The left engine's fuel pump was defective and had flooded the engine.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15650. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.