CESSNA 172H

Cypress, TX — December 29, 2020

Event Information

DateDecember 29, 2020
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberCEN21LA103
Event ID20201229102474
LocationCypress, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates30.04720, -95.66765
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeCESSNA
Model172H
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionNITE
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None1
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

On December 28, 2020, about 2000 central standard time, a Cessna 172H, N3702R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cypress, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the engine lost power as he descended to enter the traffic pattern for landing. His efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he executed a forced landing to an open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.

A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no fuel in either fuel tank. The operator reported that there was no fuel in either fuel tank but there was fuel in the lines and gascolator. The engine was started and ran normally for about 45 seconds at the accident site. A temporary repair to the right wing was completed, fuel was added to the fuel tanks, and the airplane was ferried to an airport for permanent repairs. The engine performed normally during the ferry flight.

About This NTSB Record

This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.

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