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Casualties unknown

Engine failure during initial climb leads to forced landing (N6554E)

Cleveland, TX, US

On October 6, 1992, a Cessna 175 (registration N6554E) operated by Ferschler, Donald was involved in an aviation accident near Cleveland, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude during a return attempt after an in-flight engine failure, which resulted in a forced landing in an unsuitable area. The cause of the initial engine power loss remains undetermined. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airfield. The pilot attempted a return but lacked sufficient altitude, resulting in a forced landing in an unsuitable area.

What happened

The incident occurred during the initial phase of flight following a departure from a private airfield. Shortly after becoming airborne, the airplane experienced a sudden loss of engine power while in the initial climb.

Recognizing the emergency, the pilot attempted to return to the departure point by executing a 180-degree turn. However, the aircraft did not have sufficient altitude to clear obstacles located along the intended flight path. Faced with the imminent threat of collision and having exhausted the option of returning to the airfield, the pilot made the decision to land in the only available area nearby. This landing site was unsuitable for a controlled emergency landing.

The investigation

Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's engine to determine the mechanical cause of the power loss. Despite the detailed inspection, the examination failed to reveal any specific mechanical defect or failure mode that could explain the sudden loss of power prior to the impact.

Probable cause

The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude during a return attempt after an in-flight engine failure, which resulted in a forced landing in an unsuitable area. The cause of the initial engine power loss remains undetermined.
Engine failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Oct 1992 Cessna 175 accident near Cleveland, TX?

An aircraft experienced a loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from a private airfield. The pilot attempted a return but lacked sufficient altitude, resulting in a forced landing in an unsuitable area.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Oct 1992 involved a Cessna 175, registration N6554E, operated by Ferschler, Donald, at Cleveland, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inability to maintain sufficient altitude during a return attempt after an in-flight engine failure, which resulted in a forced landing in an unsuitable area. The cause of the initial engine power loss remains undetermined.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15867. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.