FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss During Approach Leads to Forced Landing in Field (N7491E)

Honesdale, PA, US

On October 21, 1994, a Cessna 172B (registration N7491E) was involved in an aviation accident near Honesdale, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the fuel selector was in the improper position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, due to fuel starvation, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with a stone wall. 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

An airplane on approach to runway 35 lost engine power while turning to base leg. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field south of the airport, striking a rock wall. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which contained less than one gallon of fuel. No engine discrepancies were found.

Accident Details

During an approach to runway 35, the airplane was turning to the base leg when the engine lost power. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a field located south of the airport. During the landing, the airplane struck a rock wall.

Fuel System Examination

At the accident site, investigators found the fuel selector positioned on the left fuel tank. The left fuel tank contained less than one gallon of fuel. According to the student pilot's pre-flight inspection checklist, the pilot was required to "check the fuel shutoff valve 'on.'" The Cessna 172B manual describes that the fuel selector has four positions: "BOTH OFF," "LEFT TANK," "RIGHT TANK," and "BOTH ON." The manual states that the "BOTH ON" position provides fuel flow from both tanks simultaneously to ensure maximum safety and that this position should be used for takeoff, landing, and normal operations.

Engine Examination

A subsequent examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Oct 1994 Cessna 172B accident near Honesdale, PA?

An airplane on approach to runway 35 lost engine power while turning to base leg. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field south of the airport, striking a rock wall. The fuel selector was on the left tank, which contained less than one gallon of fuel. No engine discrepancies were found.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Oct 1994 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N7491E, at Honesdale, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the fuel selector was in the improper position, which resulted in a total loss of engine power, due to fuel starvation, a forced landing, and subsequent impact with a stone wall.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02515. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.