Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.
NTSB analysis
Approximately 200 feet above ground level after takeoff, the airplane's engine lost total power. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing in a corn field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted corn stalks and muddy terrain and nosed over. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks and the tanks were not compromised. Fuel was added to the fuel tanks and the engine was test run. The engine operated at various power settings with no anomalies found.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10LA573 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 24, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Tea, South Dakota
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N5364H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.