Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary FTW96LA017

NORMAN, OK, USA

Aircraft #1

N5060D

CESSNA 182A

Analysis

While on final approach, the airplane 'ran out of gas.' The pilot attempted to land in a pasture, but was unable to reach it. The airplane touched down on rough terrain and the nose landing gear and right main landing gear separated. The accident occurred on the third and final leg of a 355 nmi cross-country flight. The pilot reported starting the flight with full fuel tanks, but did not report checking the fuel quantity or purchasing fuel at either of his two intermediate stops.

Factual Information

On October 17, 1995, at 1800 central daylight time, a Cessna 182A, N5060D, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Norman, Oklahoma. The private pilot was not injured. The airplane, operated by Energy Analysts, Inc., departed Tulsa, Oklahoma, at 1650 for the business flight conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was filed and visual meteorological conditions prevailed. According to the pilot, he was on final approach to land on runway 17 at Westheimer Airport when the airplane "ran out of gas." He attempted to land in a pasture, but was unable to reach it and touched down on "rough" terrain. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the nose landing gear and the right main landing gear separated from the airplane and the left wing rear attach point was damaged. The pilot reported that, when the accident occurred, he was on the third and final leg of a 355 nmi cross country flight. He reported starting the flight with full fuel tanks, but did not report checking the fuel quantity or purchasing fuel at either of his two intermediate stops.

Probable Cause and Findings

the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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