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NTSB Report
May 18, 1990 · Cessna 182A · N3709D
Fresno, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 18, 1990
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Fresno, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 182A
Tail Number
N3709D
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX90LA222
THE PILOT HAD BEEN HANDED OFF TO FRESNO TOWER FROM APPROACH CONTROL, AND HE HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO EXTEND HIS DOWNWIND TO LAND BEHIND A CESSNA CONQUEST. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HE STATED 'I JUST RAN OUT OF FUEL. DON'T THINK I CAN MAKE THE RUNWAY.' THE PILOT STATED HE HAD 4 HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD FOR THE 3.5 HOUR TRIP. HE ALSO STATED HE VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL PRIOR TO DEPARTING FOR FRESNO, BUT DID NOT USE A MEASURING DEVICE.
NTSB Probable Cause
FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD BEEN HANDED OFF TO FRESNO TOWER FROM APPROACH CONTROL, AND HE HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO EXTEND HIS DOWNWIND TO LAND BEHIND A CESSNA CONQUEST. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HE STATED 'I JUST RAN OUT OF FUEL. DON'T THINK I CAN MAKE THE RUNWAY.' THE PILOT STATED HE HAD 4 HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD FOR THE 3.5 HOUR TRIP. HE ALSO STATED HE VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL PRIOR TO DEPARTING FOR FRESNO, BUT DID NOT USE A MEASURING DEVICE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:09 PDT
Nearest AirportFRESNO (0nm N)
Runway29L
Runway Length3902 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 182A
Tail NumberN3709D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-470-L · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind300° @ 10 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time03:50
Weather SourceWFAC