Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Probable cause of crash of CESSNA 172D, registration N2948U: The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion

 
 
NTSB Identification: WPR15LA077
14 CFR Part 91: General Aviation
Accident occurred Saturday, January 03, 2015 in Fresno, CA
Probable Cause Approval Date: 07/13/2015
Aircraft: CESSNA 172D, registration: N2948U
Injuries: 3 Uninjured.
 
NTSB investigators may not have traveled in support of this investigation and used data provided by various sources to prepare this aircraft accident report.

The pilot reported that, about 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine experienced a loss of power.

During the forced landing to a nearby field, the airplane collided with an unseen set of power lines before touching down in the field.

Both the left wing and the empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that, when the engine lost power, the left wing fuel gauge was indicating that the tank was empty and the right wing fuel gauge was indicating that the tank was 1/4 to 1/2 full of fuel.

Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the fuel system was not compromised, and no evidence of fuel was found in the airplane's fuel system.

The examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident as follows:
  • The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.