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Casualties unknown

Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss on Initial Climb (N8226L)

Red Wing, MN, US

On July 24, 2003, a Cessna 172H (registration N8226L) was involved in an aviation accident near Red Wing, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to follow the checklist resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. 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

A student pilot conducted a forced landing after losing engine power on initial climb. The fuel selector was found on the right tank, which was empty; the left tank contained about five gallons. The aircraft struck a localizer antenna and terrain.

Accident Details

The airplane sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following an in-flight loss of engine power on initial climb. The forced landing involved impact with a localizer antenna and subsequent contact with terrain.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination revealed the fuel selector valve handle was positioned to the right fuel tank. The right fuel tank was empty, while the left fuel tank contained approximately five gallons of fuel. No evidence of a fuel spill was observed at the scene. The engine produced thumb compression on all cylinders, and both magnetos were found to be sparking. Removed spark plugs exhibited a light gray coloration. The engine was not test run following the accident.

Pilot Report

The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions during the flight.

Checklist Reference

A checklist from the airplane included the instruction: "BEFORE TAKE OFF ... Fuel Selector Valve Handle - BOTH."

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 2003 Cessna 172H accident near Red Wing, MN?

A student pilot conducted a forced landing after losing engine power on initial climb. The fuel selector was found on the right tank, which was empty; the left tank contained about five gallons. The aircraft struck a localizer antenna and terrain.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 2003 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N8226L, at Red Wing, MN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to follow the checklist resulting in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030725X01199. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.