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Engine Failure During Ground Maneuvers Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over in Snow-Covered Field (N66952)

West Jordan, UT, US

On February 12, 2004, a Cessna 152 (registration N66952) was involved in an aviation accident near West Jordan, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the exhaust valve for the engine's number one cylinder, resulting in the exhaust valve/piston contact and the subsequent total loss of engine power. 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.

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

An instructor pilot reported engine roughness at 6,000 ft MSL during ground maneuvers, followed by a complete power loss and forced landing in a snow-covered field, resulting in a nose-over and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

An instructor pilot was conducting ground maneuvers at approximately 6,000 feet above mean sea level when the engine began running roughly. The instructor reported that they were unable to maintain altitude, and while attempting to return to the airport, the engine quit entirely. A forced landing was executed in a snow-covered field.

Landing and Damage

During the landing roll, the airplane's nose landing gear contacted the snow, causing the aircraft to nose over. The nose landing gear was displaced aft, leading to buckling of the firewall. Additionally, the empennage was buckled just aft of the rear window, and the vertical stabilizer was crushed. The instructor noted that the field was covered with over a foot of snow.

Engine Examination

A subsequent examination of the engine revealed a hole in the number 1 piston and a fractured exhaust valve for the number 1 cylinder.

No Injuries Reported

The source did not specify any injuries.

Engine failure

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Feb 2004 Cessna 152 accident near West Jordan, UT?

An instructor pilot reported engine roughness at 6,000 ft MSL during ground maneuvers, followed by a complete power loss and forced landing in a snow-covered field, resulting in a nose-over and substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Feb 2004 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Feb 2004 involved a Cessna 152, registration N66952, at West Jordan, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the failure of the exhaust valve for the engine's number one cylinder, resulting in the exhaust valve/piston contact and the subsequent total loss of engine power. Contributing factors include the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing and the snow covered field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040220X00208. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.