GOLDEN, TX, USA
N6938X
CESSNA 172B
DURING A STUDENT PILOT SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT MADE AN EN ROUTE STOP AT THE FIRST AIRPORT OF INTENTED DESTINATION BUT DID NOT REFUEL. AFTER DEPARTURE, BASED ON TOTAL TIME EN ROUTE AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATION OF 1/4 TANK, HE MADE A DECISION TO DIVERT TO AN AIRPORT FOR REFUELING. THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY FORCED LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE WENT THROUGH A FENCE. NEITHER FUEL TANK, FUEL SUMPS, OR THE GASCOLATOR CONTAINED ANY FUEL AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL SENSOR UNITS WERE INACCURATE.
FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. FACTORS WERE FALSE FUEL SENSOR INDICATIONS AND A FENCE.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
Aviation Accidents App
In-Depth Access to Aviation Accident Reports
