Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172K near Fredericksburg, VA — 2024-09-19

Final reportERA24LA390
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Date
2024-09-19
Location
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 172K
Registration
N7058G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane had been stored in a hangar for two years awaiting an engine rebuild. Following the rebuild and an annual inspection, the pilot planned to ferry the airplane to his farm. After a preflight inspection, the pilot had trouble starting the engine due to a low battery, requiring a jump start. After successfully starting the engine, and shortly after departure, the engine lost total power about five miles from the farm, requiring a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees during the ensuing off-airport landing. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the engine and that the airplane’s fuel tanks were absent of fuel. In a subsequent statement, the pilot confirmed that the accident was the result of fuel exhaustion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before departure to prevent fuel exhaustion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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