Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 182Q near St Ignatius, MT — 2021-10-24

Final reportWPR22LA024
Sign in to save
Date
2021-10-24
Location
St Ignatius, MT, USA
Airport
52S
Aircraft
CESSNA 182Q
Registration
N25WX
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, while enroute for the return flight home, the engine lost power. He maneuvered the airplane to a nearby airport for an emergency landing. The airplane landed short of the runway, impacted a fence, and came to rest in an irrigation ditch. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot stated that he relied on the fuel flow monitor gauge to determine fuel level and that the gauge was indicating that he had 15 gallons of fuel remaining at the time of the loss of engine power. He further reported that the gauge apparently was not properly reset for the fuel level after coming out of recent maintenance or during his first flight following that maintenance and that the actual fuel quantity was less than expected for the accident flight. He stated that there was a 15-gallon discrepancy and that the loss of engine power was due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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