Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Experiences Engine Power Loss During Cross-Country Flight (N69223)

Hillsdale, MI, US

On October 13, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N69223) operated by Branch County Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsdale, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN NOT REFUELING THE AIRCRAFT AND A POORLY PLANNED FORCED LANDING BY THE PILOT. 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 student pilot on a cross-country flight experienced a loss of engine power eight miles west of an airport. Attempts to land on Runway 09 and a field resulted in a hard landing. Left tank contained about one quart of fuel, right tank about one and one-half gallons.

Overview

During the return leg of a cross-country flight, a student pilot encountered a loss of engine power while eight miles west of an airport. The pilot attempted a forced landing on Runway 09, which was 3,801 feet in length. At the time, the wind was from 270 degrees at 15 to 20 knots.

Sequence of Events

The pilot was high and fast on the approach to Runway 09 and aborted the landing. He then attempted to land in a field east of the airport but was again too fast. After pulling up a second time, he made a turn to the right and executed a hard landing in a field.

Fuel Status

Following the occurrence, approximately one quart of fuel was found in the left tank, and approximately one and one-half gallons of fuel were in the right tank. The pilot stated, "...I made the decision to not obtain fuel," before he departed on the return leg of the flight.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Oct 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Hillsdale, MI?

A student pilot on a cross-country flight experienced a loss of engine power eight miles west of an airport. Attempts to land on Runway 09 and a field resulted in a hard landing. Left tank contained about one quart of fuel, right tank about one and one-half gallons.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Oct 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N69223, operated by Branch County Aviation, at Hillsdale, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING IN NOT REFUELING THE AIRCRAFT AND A POORLY PLANNED FORCED LANDING BY THE PILOT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15835. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.