Probable cause
A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
NTSB analysis
The accident occurred during a private pilot practical test. The flight test progressed normally and had included steep-turn and stall demonstrations prior to the loss of engine power. The pilot examiner reported that he initiated a simulated engine failure by reducing the throttle to idle. However, when he attempted to terminate the maneuver by applying full throttle, the engine only produced a short burst of partial power. The engine subsequently lost power completely. The flight crew's efforts to restore engine power were not successful. The examiner subsequently executed a forced landing to a soybean field. The airplane nosed over during the landing rollout and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination and component testing did not reveal any anomalies consistent with the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11LA069 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 12, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Farmersburg, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Terre Haute Intl-Hulman Field (HUF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172R
- N-number
- N531HF
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.