No fatalities

Engine Power Loss During Approach Leads to Off-Runway Landing and Rollover (N9892J)

Cedar City, UT, US

On August 17, 2005, a Cessna 172N (registration N9892J) was involved in an aviation accident near Cedar City, UT. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. Contributing factors include the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the soft dirt. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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 an approach at about 500 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The safety pilot attempted to restore power but failed. The airplane landed west of the runway, flipped, and sustained substantial damage. Post-accident examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies.

Accident Overview

During the approach phase of flight, at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level (AGL), the engine experienced a loss of power. The safety pilot, who was flying the airplane at the time, attempted to restore engine power by adjusting the mixture and power controls. Despite these efforts, the engine did not recover.

Landing and Rollover

The airplane subsequently touched down to the west of the runway. The touchdown occurred at a 45-degree angle relative to the paved surface. After contacting the ground, the airplane sank into the dirt, flipped upside down, and skidded to a stop on the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage as a result of the accident sequence.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the engine following the accident revealed no anomalies that would have precluded the engine from producing power prior to the incident. Similarly, an examination of the remaining aircraft systems found no anomalies. The exact cause of the power loss could not be determined from the available evidence.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 17 Aug 2005 Cessna 172N accident near Cedar City, UT?

During an approach at about 500 feet AGL, the engine lost power. The safety pilot attempted to restore power but failed. The airplane landed west of the runway, flipped, and sustained substantial damage. Post-accident examination revealed no pre-impact anomalies.

Were there any fatalities in the 17 Aug 2005 Cessna 172N accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 17 Aug 2005 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N9892J, at Cedar City, UT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the loss of engine power for reasons undetermined. Contributing factors include the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing, and the soft dirt.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050818X01275. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.