Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 140 near Salome, AZ — 2025-02-09

Final reportWPR25LA099
Sign in to save
Date
2025-02-09
Location
Salome, AZ, USA
Airport
2AZ1
Aircraft
CESSNA 140
Registration
N4185N
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during preflight inspection, the fuel tank gauges both read full, however, he did not visually verify the fuel quantity in the fuel tanks before takeoff. Following an uneventful flight, while on final approach to the runway, the engine suffered a total loss of power. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restore engine power before attempting a forced landing on a dirt road. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted trees, fence posts, and terrain, which resulted in substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. The pilot stated that after the accident, he observed that the left fuel tank had no fuel, and the right fuel tank contained only a trace amount of fuel. 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

Related mishaps