Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172H near Santa Rosa, CA — 2023-08-19

Final reportWPR23LA320
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Date
2023-08-19
Location
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Airport
STS
Aircraft
CESSNA 172H
Registration
N3282L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel management which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported the airplane recently had an engine upgrade and he was flying it to break in the engine. He had performed fuel calculations based on its previously consumption rate and did not realize the new engine was consuming more fuel than planned. During final approach the airplane experienced a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot performed a forced landing on an open field with high vegetation, substantially damaging the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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