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Forced Landing After Smoke and Electrical Burning Odor (N9696B)

Washington, OK, US

On May 3, 2001, a Cessna 172RG (registration N9696B) operated by Airman Flight School Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Washington, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the 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

During a commercial flight maneuver, smoke appeared in the cabin and a burning odor was detected. The instructor performed a forced landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over onto soft terrain.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor and a student pilot were conducting a commercial flight maneuver at approximately 2,100 feet above ground level when an odor resembling electrical burning was noticed. The instructor directed the student to discontinue the maneuver and return to the airport. While the student was terminating the maneuver, visible smoke appeared in the cabin, and heat was felt emanating from beneath the instrument panel.

Instructor Intervention and Forced Landing

The instructor assumed control of the airplane, shut down the engine, and executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane encountered soft terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.

Post-Accident Examination

A plastic hydraulic reservoir from the hydraulic power pack was found melted and lying on the cockpit floor. The hydraulic power pack was subsequently examined and functionally tested at Aero Electric Inc. in Wichita, Kansas, under the supervision of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). According to a report from Aero Electric, the power pack and its related components operated within manufacturer's specifications.

In-flight fire & smoke

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 May 2001 Cessna 172RG accident near Washington, OK?

During a commercial flight maneuver, smoke appeared in the cabin and a burning odor was detected. The instructor performed a forced landing, which resulted in the airplane nosing over onto soft terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 May 2001 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N9696B, operated by Airman Flight School Inc., at Washington, OK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the in-flight fire for an undetermined reason, which resulted in a forced landing. A contributory factor was the lack of suitable terrain for the 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/20010504X00883. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.