N3702R

On December 28, 2020, about 2000 central standard time, a Cessna 172H, N3702R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cypress, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that the engine lost power as he descended to enter the traffic pattern for landing. His efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he executed a forced landing to an open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.

A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no fuel in either fuel tank. The operator reported that there was no fuel in either fuel tank but there was fuel in the lines and gascolator. The engine was started and ran normally for about 45 seconds at the accident site. A temporary repair to the right wing was completed, fuel was added to the fuel tanks, and the airplane was ferried to an airport for permanent repairs. The engine performed normally during the ferry flight.