Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172H near Dania Beach, FL — 2010-06-01

Final reportERA10LA293
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Date
2010-06-01
Location
Dania Beach, FL, USA
Airport
FLL
Aircraft
CESSNA 172H
Registration
N1435F
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot turned the airplane onto the final approach leg of the traffic pattern and shortly thereafter the engine experienced a total loss of power. After unsuccessfully attempting to restart the engine, the pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a field near the airport. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted the ground, collapsing the main landing gear; the wingtips contacted the ground and the nose and fuselage incurred substantial damage. A postaccident examination revealed that there was half a gallon of fuel in the right tank, and no fuel was present in the left tank. There was no evidence of additional fuel at accident site. During an engine run test, the engine started on the initial attempt and operated up to full power. The examination disclosed no evidence of a mechanical malfunction.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to an alternate airport after engine issues began.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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