N883AV

Substantial
None

CESSNA 172NS/N: 17269352

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
NTSB Number
CEN10CA178
Location
Ankeny, IA
Event ID
20100331X72817
Coordinates
41.691112, -93.566665
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate in-flight fuel monitoring.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N883AV
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
17269352
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
172NC172
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
1505 BROADWAY ST
Status
Deregistered
City
PELLA
State / Zip Code
IA 50219-1075
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that the cross-country flight proceeded normally until approximately 25 miles from the destination. At that time, the engine speed decreased unexpectedly. His attempts to increase engine power by pushing in the throttle had no effect. The pilot noted that he switched the fuel selector to the right tank and then to the left tank with no effect. He returned the fuel selector to the “both” setting and the engine regained power. He elected to immediately divert to the nearest airport. However, the engine lost power again and he ultimately executed a forced landing to a corn field. The airplane nosed over and was substantially damaged during the emergency landing. A post accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies associated with a pre-impact engine failure or malfunction. No evidence of a fuel spill was observed at the accident site, and no fuel was observed in the fuel tanks after the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN10CA178