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Engine Failure During Cruise Leads to Forced Landing and Collision with Trees (N75814)

Hillsborough, NC, US

On July 5, 1996, a Cessna 172N (registration N75814) operated by James C. Edwards was involved in an aviation accident near Hillsborough, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The magneto impulse coupling spring of the single-drive dual magneto broke, resulting in a loss of engine-to-magneto timing and subsequent engine stoppage. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An engine failure during cruise flight prompted a forced landing in a pasture. The airplane overran the pasture and collided with trees due to limited flap extension to clear power lines.

Accident Summary

During cruise flight, the engine quit. The pilot reported that an open pasture was the only available site for a force landing. The pilot circled the pasture to position the airplane for the landing. On final approach, the pilot extended the flaps, stopping them at ten degrees to ensure that the airplane would clear power lines at the approach end of the pasture. Consequently, the airplane overran the end of the downhill-sloped pasture and collided with trees at the end. According to the pilot, the airspeed at impact was about 55 knots.

Postaccident Examination

During the postaccident examination of the engine, the magneto impulse coupling spring of the single-drive dual magneto was found broken. This breakage resulted in a loss of engine-to-magneto timing and subsequent engine stoppage.

Probable cause

The magneto impulse coupling spring of the single-drive dual magneto broke, resulting in a loss of engine-to-magneto timing and subsequent engine stoppage.
Engine failure

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 1996 Cessna 172N accident near Hillsborough, NC?

An engine failure during cruise flight prompted a forced landing in a pasture. The airplane overran the pasture and collided with trees due to limited flap extension to clear power lines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 1996 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N75814, operated by James C. Edwards, at Hillsborough, NC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The magneto impulse coupling spring of the single-drive dual magneto broke, resulting in a loss of engine-to-magneto timing and subsequent engine stoppage.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06151. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.