“We’re Losing Power ” Cessna Pilot Loses Engine Power Mid-Flight

Cessna 150 Loses Engine Power Between Torrance and Camarillo — Safe Runway 26 Landing

A Cessna 150 flying from Zamperini Field to Camarillo lost engine power in flight on 23 July 2026 and turned an ordinary light-aircraft trip into an emergency approach. The pilot declared a Mayday and worked with Southern California controllers to reach Camarillo.

The aircraft, N7758E, departed Torrance-area Zamperini Field with two people aboard. During the flight the pilot reported the loss of engine power and requested assistance. The available video account says approximately six hours of fuel remained, but the immediate problem was the loss of usable engine power rather than fuel exhaustion.

Controllers suggested Camarillo as the most practical destination. Camarillo Tower prepared Runway 26, held other departing traffic and allowed the Cessna to maneuver for position. The pilot reported the airport in sight and indicated that emergency assistance was not required, although a tow might be needed if the engine failed completely.

The Cessna reached the airport and landed on Runway 26, then exited via Taxiway Charlie under its own power. The available account reports no injuries and no aircraft damage. The radio sequence is therefore less a story of a crash than of a controlled transition from an engine-power emergency to a runway landing.

Public reporting associated with the recording identifies the aircraft as N7758E and the loss-of-power call as a genuine Mayday rather than a training exchange. The route was a short general-aviation trip from Zamperini Field toward Camarillo, which made the selection of Camarillo particularly important once engine power was lost.

The controller's role was not simply to issue a runway clearance. Traffic had to be protected while the Cessna descended and maneuvered into position. The pilot reported the airport in sight, allowing the tower to organize the final approach around the emergency aircraft.

“We’re losing power.”

Accident Facts

Sources

• Video source (ATC/audio reconstruction)
• Video/ATC recording