On August 24, 2008, a CESSNA 172 H was involved in an aviation accident near Pullman, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the rough terrain encountered during the forced landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot on a maintenance flight experienced an engine hesitation and subsequent loss of power after 50 minutes, forcing a landing in a corn field. The airplane sustained substantial damage; post-accident examination found no cause.
Flight Details
The pilot reported that the flight's purpose was to accumulate approximately two hours of flight time on the engine following recent maintenance. The takeoff and initial climb were described as normal.
Engine Failure
After about 50 minutes of flight, the engine hesitated and began losing power. The pilot observed an initial drop in engine speed of 200 revolutions per minute (rpm). He set a course toward an intermediate airport approximately 6 miles from his position. Attempts to restore full engine power were unsuccessful, and the engine eventually lost all power.
Forced Landing
The pilot executed a forced landing in a corn field. The landing resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination did not reveal any reason for the loss of engine power.
Contributing factors
Causes
Power plant — Failure
Other contributing factors
Contributed to outcome
Related events
Same aircraft family
24 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172B
23 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
18 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
16 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172M (CK Aviation LLC)
9 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172
8 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N
7 Sep 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Tin Cup Investments INC)
24 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172M
21 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172P (Vascular Wings LLC)
18 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Ocala Aviation Services INC)
16 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172L (Foothill Aircraft Sales and Service Inc.)
9 Aug 2026 — CESSNA 172N (Kimber 123 Holdings LLC)
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 24 Aug 2008 CESSNA 172 H accident near Pullman, MI?
A pilot on a maintenance flight experienced an engine hesitation and subsequent loss of power after 50 minutes, forcing a landing in a corn field. The airplane sustained substantial damage; post-accident examination found no cause.
Were there any fatalities in the 24 Aug 2008 CESSNA 172 H accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Aug 2008 involved a CESSNA 172 H, at Pullman, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A complete loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A contributing factor was the rough terrain encountered during the forced landing.
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