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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

March 8, 1992 · Cessna 172B · N6938X

Golden, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 8, 1992
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Golden, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172B
Tail Number
N6938X
Operator
Max E Bolen
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW92LA082

DURING A STUDENT PILOT SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT MADE AN EN ROUTE STOP AT THE FIRST AIRPORT OF INTENTED DESTINATION BUT DID NOT REFUEL. AFTER DEPARTURE, BASED ON TOTAL TIME EN ROUTE AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATION OF 1/4 TANK, HE MADE A DECISION TO DIVERT TO AN AIRPORT FOR REFUELING. THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY FORCED LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE WENT THROUGH A FENCE. NEITHER FUEL TANK, FUEL SUMPS, OR THE GASCOLATOR CONTAINED ANY FUEL AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL SENSOR UNITS WERE INACCURATE.

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL. FACTORS WERE FALSE FUEL SENSOR INDICATIONS AND A FENCE.

Full Narrative

DURING A STUDENT PILOT SOLO CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE PILOT MADE AN EN ROUTE STOP AT THE FIRST AIRPORT OF INTENTED DESTINATION BUT DID NOT REFUEL. AFTER DEPARTURE, BASED ON TOTAL TIME EN ROUTE AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATION OF 1/4 TANK, HE MADE A DECISION TO DIVERT TO AN AIRPORT FOR REFUELING. THE ENGINE LOST POWER DURING THE DESCENT AND THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY FORCED LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE AIRPLANE WENT THROUGH A FENCE. NEITHER FUEL TANK, FUEL SUMPS, OR THE GASCOLATOR CONTAINED ANY FUEL AT THE ACCIDENT SITE. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE LEFT AND RIGHT FUEL SENSOR UNITS WERE INACCURATE.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172B
Tail NumberN6938X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMax E Bolen
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind140° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point45 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Weather SourceWIT

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Appendix: Source Data