Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Reports Engine Failure During Initial Climb; Aircraft Noses Over in Ditch (N733XG)

Harrisburg, IL, US

On September 15, 1998, a Cessna 172 (registration N733XG) was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisburg, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. 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

A student pilot reported that the engine quit during climb at 5-6 feet AGL. The aircraft veered left off the runway, entered a ditch, and nosed over. Inspection found no anomalies in fuel or ignition systems; no cause for power failure was identified.

Incident Summary

According to the student pilot, the engine stopped producing power when the airplane reached an altitude of 5 to 6 feet above ground level. Upon touchdown, the aircraft deviated to the left, departing the runway surface. Subsequently, it entered a ditch and overturned onto its nose.

Post-accident Inspection

Following the accident, an inspection was conducted on the aircraft. The engine was examined and found to exhibit continuity. No anomalies were detected in either the fuel system or the ignition system. The inspector reported that there was no apparent reason for the power failure.

(Note: The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the loss of engine power.)

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 Sept 1998 Cessna 172 accident near Harrisburg, IL?

A student pilot reported that the engine quit during climb at 5-6 feet AGL. The aircraft veered left off the runway, entered a ditch, and nosed over. Inspection found no anomalies in fuel or ignition systems; no cause for power failure was identified.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 Sept 1998 involved a Cessna 172, registration N733XG, at Harrisburg, IL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11016. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.