FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

North American AT-6D Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss (N9272K)

Brookings, SD, US

On August 7, 2003, a North American AT-6D (registration N9272K) was involved in an aviation accident near Brookings, SD. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The inadequate fuel supply for the flight, and the inadequate preflight by the pilot resulting in exhaustion of the fuel supply and subsequent loss of engine power. The tree was a contributing factor. 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 North American AT-6D sustained substantial damage during a wheels-up forced landing in a hay field after an in-flight loss of engine power. The pilot reported fuel pressure loss and the engine quitting; no fuel was found in the tank post-accident.

Accident Details

A North American AT-6D aircraft sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a loss of engine power in flight. The pilot executed a wheels-up landing in a hay field after the engine lost power shortly after takeoff.

Pilot Account

The pilot stated that after takeoff, while on the downwind leg for a pass at the field, he experienced a loss of fuel pressure and engine power. The engine briefly restarted a couple of times before quitting entirely. The pilot selected a hay field for a forced landing and decided to land with the landing gear retracted (wheels up). During the landing attempt, the aircraft struck a tree in the field.

Sheriff's Report

According to a Sheriff's report, the pilot reported that he was running out of fuel and was looking for a place to land. While traveling north, the aircraft clipped a tree, struck the ground, and slid to a stop. The pilot stated that he did not know how much fuel was on board the airplane. Examination after the accident revealed no fuel present in the gas tank.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 7 Aug 2003 North American AT-6D accident near Brookings, SD?

A North American AT-6D sustained substantial damage during a wheels-up forced landing in a hay field after an in-flight loss of engine power. The pilot reported fuel pressure loss and the engine quitting; no fuel was found in the tank post-accident.

Were there any fatalities in the 7 Aug 2003 North American AT-6D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 7 Aug 2003 involved a North American AT-6D, registration N9272K, at Brookings, SD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The inadequate fuel supply for the flight, and the inadequate preflight by the pilot resulting in exhaustion of the fuel supply and subsequent loss of engine power. The tree was a contributing factor.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030807X01284. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.