Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 177 near Hudson Oaks, TX — 2021-10-31

Final reportCEN22LA036
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Date
2021-10-31
Location
Hudson Oaks, TX, USA
Airport
WEA
Aircraft
CESSNA 177
Registration
N29615
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The partial loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing was the pilot’s improper fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

During a personal flight, the pilot was descending the airplane for landing and added throttle, but the engine did not respond. The pilot decided to make a forced landing, during which the airplane collided with power lines and terrain, resulting in substantial damage to the airplane. Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine found damage in the engine area that precluded documentation of the throttle cable’s full range of travel. Examination of the accident site found no evidence of fuel in the tanks, but fuel did not appear to have leaked from the tanks. The pilot reported that the airplane should have contained at least 10 gallons of fuel. Thus, the pilot’s fuel calculations could have been incorrect, resulting in fuel exhaustion. In addition, the airplane was operating in an area conducive for the formation of serious icing at glide power. However, the pilot stated that he applied carburetor heat and enrichened the mixture when he began descending. The postaccident airplane and engine examination revealed no preimpact anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. As a result, and based on the available evidence, the reason for the partial loss of engine power was most likely the result of fuel exhaustion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Ensuring adequate fuel before departure to prevent engine power loss.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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