Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 172G near Anacortes, WA — 2010-03-27

Final reportWPR10LA182
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Date
2010-03-27
Location
Anacortes, WA, USA
Airport
K74S
Aircraft
CESSNA 172G
Registration
N5880R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that during his preflight inspection he checked the fuel level with a dipstick and visually confirmed that there was a little less than 1/4 tank of fuel in the left side, and a little more than 1/4 in the right. The pilot then flew around the local area for about 40 minutes and was on his way back to the airport when the engine lost power. The local sheriff reported that when he arrived on scene, the airplane was on the ground inverted and appeared to have contacted some power lines prior to impacting the terrain. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the fuel system and found no evidence of fuel on board the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot declined to refuel despite low fuel indication.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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