CESSNA 172H
Clifton, ME — July 3, 2009
Event Information
| Date | July 3, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA09CA382 |
| Event ID | 20090707X93834 |
| Location | Clifton, ME |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 44.81917, -68.56973 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 172H |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's mismanagement of his fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, he completed a preflight inspection and estimated that there were approximately 5 gallons of fuel in the left main tank and "little or none" in the right main tank. He added that he departed with the fuel selector in the "Both" position. The before-takeoff checks were "good" and he performed a southerly takeoff. While turning crosswind, the engine stopped producing power, the airplane "wanted to stall," but it landed on the water "hard" and under control. The airplane then struck a dock, the floats collapsed, and the airplane continued into the woods which damaged the wings. The winds reported 12 miles west of the accident site were from 190 degrees at 6 knots. Other than the loss of engine power, the pilot reported that there were no problems with the performance and handling of the airplane.
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.