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Simulated Engine Failure During Training Flight Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N68299)

Quincy, IL, US

On October 17, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N68299) was involved in an aviation accident near Quincy, IL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), by switching 'OFF' the fuel selector valve of the single-engine airplane (starving the engine of fuel) to 'simulate' an emergency. 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 flight instructor moved the fuel selector to OFF during a training flight to simulate an engine failure. After the student performed emergency procedures, the instructor attempted to restart but failed, resulting in a forced landing and nose-over.

Accident Overview

The accident involved a flight instructor and a student pilot during a training flight. The instructor had previously accompanied the student on a solo flight earlier that day.

Flight History

According to the flight instructor, the student departed with 20 gallons of fuel aboard the airplane. The student returned about 1 hour later. The instructor then flew with the student to check her progress. During this flight, the instructor moved the fuel selector to the 'OFF' position to simulate an engine failure. The student performed the emergency engine starting procedures, and the fuel selector was returned to the 'ON' position. The instructor stated that his subsequent attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful.

Forced Landing and Aftermath

The instructor made a forced landing in the best field available, which was bottom land that had been disked (or plowed). During the landing, the airplane nosed over and was extensively damaged. The accident was reported about 2 months after it occurred. The airplane was not available for examination, and no reason was found to explain why an in-flight restart of the engine was not attained.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Oct 1997 Cessna 152 accident near Quincy, IL?

A flight instructor moved the fuel selector to OFF during a training flight to simulate an engine failure. After the student performed emergency procedures, the instructor attempted to restart but failed, resulting in a forced landing and nose-over.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Oct 1997 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Oct 1997 involved a Cessna 152, registration N68299, at Quincy, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

improper in-flight planning/decision by the flight instructor (CFI), by switching 'OFF' the fuel selector valve of the single-engine airplane (starving the engine of fuel) to 'simulate' an emergency. Factors relating to the accident were: the soft and uneven terrain conditions in the emergency landing area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08984. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.