N1782F

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172HS/N: 17255177

Accident Details

Date
Friday, July 3, 2009
NTSB Number
ERA09CA382
Location
Clifton, ME
Event ID
20090707X93834
Coordinates
44.819168, -68.569725
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's mismanagement of his fuel supply which resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17255177
Engine Type
4-cycle
Model / ICAO
172HC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
172H

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CFI CARE INC
Address
PO BOX 371
City
WOODBURY
State / Zip Code
CT 06798-0371
Country
United States

Analysis

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.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA09CA382