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Engine Failure During Student Solo Cross-Country Flight (N6187K)

Kingsburg, CA, US

On October 15, 1996, a Cessna 172P (registration N6187K) operated by Sierra Academy, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Kingsburg, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a forced landing. 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

A student pilot on his third solo cross-country experienced engine roughness and oil on the windscreen, leading to a forced landing and collision with a tree and a building.

Incident Description

During a supervised solo cross-country flight, a student pilot encountered a sudden rough-running engine. Oil was observed covering most of the front windscreen. Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power. The student executed a forced landing in a clearing, but the aircraft collided with a tree and a building before coming to a stop.

Examination Findings

An FAA inspector examined the wreckage and discovered a 2-inch diameter hole in the engine's upper crankcase near the number 2 cylinder. Further disassembly revealed that the connecting rod for the number 2 piston had become disconnected from the piston due to a failure of the piston skirt in the piston pin area. Additionally, the rings on all pistons showed signs of sticking, and all intake and exhaust valves exhibited overtemperature signatures. The tops of the pistons appeared abnormally clean.

Engine History

The engine had accumulated a total time of 3,794.5 hours since new and 1,987.0 hours since its last major overhaul.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Oct 1996 Cessna 172P accident near Kingsburg, CA?

A student pilot on his third solo cross-country experienced engine roughness and oil on the windscreen, leading to a forced landing and collision with a tree and a building.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Oct 1996 involved a Cessna 172P, registration N6187K, operated by Sierra Academy, Inc., at Kingsburg, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the student pilot's use of an excessively lean mixture, which led to engine overheating, detonation, subsequent failure of the number 2 piston, and a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06927. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.