Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 180 near Huron, NY — 2010-09-09

Final reportERA10CA472
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Date
2010-09-09
Location
Huron, NY, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 180
Registration
N180LE
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated that he was on final approach for landing on a lake where he intended to refuel. About 400 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot was unable to restart it and impacted a corn field approximately one-half mile from the lake. The pilot reported that he had flown for about 4 1/2 hours and that the right fuel tank gauge indicated approximately one-quarter remaining just prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing's fuel tank was void of fuel, and approximately 1 gallon of fuel was extracted from the right wing fuel tank. The engine separated from the airframe during the impact and the firewall was substantially damaged. According to photos provided by first responders to the accident site, the right fuel tank indicator was between the "empty" indication and the 1/4 tank indication and the left tank indicated below "empty."

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents8

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