CESSNA 177
Elcho, WI — February 17, 2013
Event Information
| Date | February 17, 2013 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN13CA175 |
| Event ID | 20130222X22258 |
| Location | Elcho, WI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 45.42417, -89.17889 |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 177 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 1 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success and executed a forced landing to a field. Upon landing in the snow-covered field, the airplane nosed over and came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. In his written statement, the pilot said that he decided not to add additional fuel prior to the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented by adding additional fuel prior to the flight. He listed no mechanical malfunctions of the airplane on his written report.
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.