FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Pilot Executes Precautionary Landing After Becoming Lost and Low on Fuel (N739YK)

LA Grange, TX, US

On November 21, 2003, a Cessna 172N (registration N739YK) operated by Voyager Air Center was involved in an aviation accident near LA Grange, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to properly navigate during the day VFR cross-country flight, which resulted in the pilot becoming disoriented. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During a VFR cross-country flight, a pilot became disoriented and low on fuel, leading to a precautionary landing in a field. The aircraft struck a drainage ditch and fence during the landing.

Background

A pilot conducted a day visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country flight. Prior to departure, the pilot received a weather briefing from a Flight Service Station (FSS). The briefer informed the pilot that he would experience a headwind along the entire route of flight. The flight duration was 3 hours and 50 minutes.

Flight

During the cruise portion of the flight, the pilot became disoriented. He attempted to navigate using VOR (VHF omnidirectional range) stations but was unable to determine his position. The airplane became low on fuel, and the pilot could not locate an airport.

Landing

Unable to find a suitable airport, the pilot decided to execute a precautionary landing to an open field. During the landing, the airplane impacted a drainage ditch and a fence.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Nov 2003 Cessna 172N accident near LA Grange, TX?

During a VFR cross-country flight, a pilot became disoriented and low on fuel, leading to a precautionary landing in a field. The aircraft struck a drainage ditch and fence during the landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Nov 2003 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N739YK, operated by Voyager Air Center, at LA Grange, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to properly navigate during the day VFR cross-country flight, which resulted in the pilot becoming disoriented.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031125X01949. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.