N180LE

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 180S/N: 31645

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, September 9, 2010
NTSB Number
ERA10CA472
Location
Huron, NY
Event ID
20100909X75726
Coordinates
43.241111, -76.923889
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
31645
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1955
Model / ICAO
180C180
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
4
FAA Model
180

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
EVERHART LEON J III
Address
PO BOX 84
City
GOULD CITY
State / Zip Code
MI 49838
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated that he was on final approach for landing on a lake where he intended to refuel. About 400 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine lost power and quit. The pilot was unable to restart it and impacted a corn field approximately one-half mile from the lake. The pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he had flown for about 4 1/2 hours, and that the right fuel tank gauge indicated approximately one-quarter remaining just prior to the accident. The FAA inspector that responded to the accident scene reported that the left wing's fuel tank was void of fuel, and approximately 1 gallon of fuel was extracted from the right wing fuel tank. The engine separated from the airframe during the impact and the firewall was substantially damaged. According to photos provided by the New York State Police, the right fuel tank indicator was between the "E" and the 1/4 tank mark and the left tank indicated below "E."

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA472