CESSNA R182

Granger, TX, April 11, 2009

Event Information

DateApril 11, 2009
Event TypeACC
LocationGranger, TX
CountryUSA
Coordinates30.74055, -97.34444
Highest InjuryNONE
NTSB NumberCEN09CA245
Event ID20090413X04435

Aircraft

MakeCESSNA
ModelR182
Registration #N756BZ
OperatorAURORA AVIATION LLC
OwnerAURORA AVIATION LLC
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None3
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to visually verify that sufficient fuel was on board prior to flight.

Full Narrative

The pilot was on the second leg of a cross-country flight when the airplane's engine momentarily decreased in power and then returned to "normal." The pilot observed that the airplane's left fuel tank was indicating empty and the right fuel gauge was indicating less then one forth a tank. While attempting to return to the departure airport, the engine "sputtered" and lost all power. The pilot elected to leave the landing gear and flaps retracted while executing a forced landing in a ditch. The airplane came to rest in an upright position and the pilot and passengers exited unassisted. The airplane's fuselage and left wing sustained structural damage. An on-site visual inspection of the airplane's fuel tanks revealed a residual amount of fuel. The pilot further reported that he did not perform a visual inspection of the airplane's fuel quantity before departure.

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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