Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary LAX93LA273

MOCCASIN, CA, USA

Aircraft #1

N7875T

CESSNA 172A

Analysis

THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM ANY PREFLIGHT OR EN ROUTE FUEL CALCULATIONS FOR THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT LANDED AT AN AIRPORT TO PICKUP A PASSENGER. WHILE RETURNING TO THE INITIAL DEPARTURE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A RAVINE. A POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE FUEL TANKS FOUND ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL REMAINING. AN FAA OPERATIONS INSPECTOR CALCULATED AN ENDURANCE OF 4.5 HOURS POSSIBLE. THE TOTAL ELAPSED TACHOMETER TIME WAS 5.0 HOURS. THE PILOT SAID HE RAN OUT OF FUEL IN A POST CRASH INTERVIEW.

Probable Cause and Findings

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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