On August 31, 2002, a Cessna 172N (registration N739ZV) operated by Plus One Flyers, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeside, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to an altitude that was insufficient to allow for contingency options. 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.
A student pilot made an off-airport landing after the engine did not regain power during recovery from a simulated engine failure. The landing damaged the nose gear, firewall, and right wing.
Accident Details
The airplane made an off-airport landing following a loss of engine power. The student pilot had initiated a simulated engine failure and set up for a forced landing. The maneuver began at 4,200 feet above ground level (agl). The pilot attempted the recovery at 500 feet agl. While recovering from the maneuver, the engine would not regain power. The student pilot then executed a forced landing in a field. The forced landing resulted in damage to the nose gear, firewall, and right wing of the aircraft.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident engine examination was conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector. The examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded the engine from generating power.
What happened in the 31 Aug 2002 Cessna 172N accident near Lakeside, CA?
A student pilot made an off-airport landing after the engine did not regain power during recovery from a simulated engine failure. The landing damaged the nose gear, firewall, and right wing.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Aug 2002 Cessna 172N accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Aug 2002 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739ZV, operated by Plus One Flyers, Inc., at Lakeside, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the engine to respond for undetermined reasons. Also causal was the student's decision to continue the simulated emergency maneuver to an altitude that was insufficient to allow for contingency options. The unsuitable nature of the terrain selected for the landing terrain was a factor in the accident.
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