Pilot Debrief

CESSNA TR182 near Bridgeport, TX — 2020-10-04

Final reportCEN21LA010
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Date
2020-10-04
Location
Bridgeport, TX, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA TR182
Registration
N5196S
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during cruise flight he encountered engine problems, which were followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot decided to perform a forced landing, during which the right wing was substantially damaged. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that neither the left nor the right fuel tank had fuel. The pilot stated that, before departure, the left tank was about one-half full, and the right tank was nearly empty. Thus, the pilot was aware of the low fuel state of the airplane but thought that the airplane would have enough fuel for the flight. Because no usable fuel remained on the airplane, the circumstances of the accident were consistent with fuel exhaustion resulting in the total loss of engine power.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not check fuel quantity before departure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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