Casualties unknown

Airplane Collides with Terrain During Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N8878X)

Fond DU Lac, WI, US

On July 27, 1999, a Cessna 182D (registration N8878X) was involved in an aviation accident near Fond DU Lac, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and the subsequent fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the crops and the soft field conditions. 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 experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach to Fond Du Lac, resulting in a forced landing in a soybean field. Post-accident inspection found no fuel in the tanks.

Accident Overview

An airplane collided with terrain during a forced landing following a total loss of engine power. The incident occurred on final approach to Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin, after the aircraft diverted from its original destination.

Flight Details

The airplane departed Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at 1720 central daylight time, with the intention of landing at Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Prior to departure, the aircraft was topped off with 50 gallons of 100LL aviation fuel. Upon reaching the Oshkosh area, the pilot was notified that the airport was closed. The pilot then decided to land at Fond Du Lac, turning east and contacting the Fond Du Lac tower, where clearance was received to land on runway 18.

Engine Failure and Forced Landing

On final approach, the engine lost all power. The pilot executed a forced landing in a soft soybean field north of the airport. The aircraft collided with the terrain during the landing.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection of the airplane revealed no fuel present in the fuel tanks. No other anomalies were reported.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jul 1999 Cessna 182D accident near Fond DU Lac, WI?

An airplane experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach to Fond Du Lac, resulting in a forced landing in a soybean field. Post-accident inspection found no fuel in the tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jul 1999 involved a Cessna 182D, registration N8878X, at Fond DU Lac, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and the subsequent fuel exhaustion. Factors associated with the accident were the crops and the soft field conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19168. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.