Casualties unknown

Student Pilot Makes Forced Landing After Engine Power Loss on Initial Climb (N5213M)

Opa Locka, FL, US

On August 31, 2005, a Cessna 172S (registration N5213M) operated by Airborne Systems was involved in an aviation accident near Opa Locka, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost engine power 50-100 feet AGL after a touch-and-go landing, forcing a runway landing. The aircraft overshot the runway, hit a 3-foot drop, and collapsed the nose wheel. Subsequent engine testing showed no mechanical issues.

Incident Overview and Immediate Actions During the incident, a student pilot reported having just completed a touch-and-go landing. While on the initial climb-out at an altitude between 50 and 100 feet above ground level, the aircraft's engine sputtered and subsequently lost power. In response to the power loss, the pilot lowered the nose of the aircraft and executed a forced landing on the runway. However, the remaining runway length was insufficient to bring the airplane to a complete stop. The aircraft traveled approximately 150 feet beyond the end of the runway before encountering a 3-foot drop-off. This impact caused the nose wheel to collapse, bringing the airplane to a complete stop.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 31 Aug 2005 Cessna 172S accident near Opa Locka, FL?

A student pilot lost engine power 50-100 feet AGL after a touch-and-go landing, forcing a runway landing. The aircraft overshot the runway, hit a 3-foot drop, and collapsed the nose wheel. Subsequent engine testing showed no mechanical issues.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 31 Aug 2005 involved a Cessna 172S, registration N5213M, operated by Airborne Systems, at Opa Locka, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050906X01381. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.