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NTSB Report
November 18, 1988 · Cessna 172 · N2840Q
Pikeville, KY
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 18, 1988
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Pikeville, KY
Aircraft
Cessna 172
Tail Number
N2840Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA039
THE PILOT HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3.7 HOURS AND WAS ABOUT 2 MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A SWAMP. THE PILOT HAD TOPPED OFF THE ACFT SO THAT IT CONTAINED 42 GALLONS OF FUEL (38 GALLONS OF USABLE FUEL). THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION INDICATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS TOTALLY VOID OF FUEL. THE PILOT DID NOT ATTEMPT TO LAND AT ANOTHER AIRPORT TO REFUEL EVEN THOUGH THE FLIGHT CAME WITHIN 5 MILES OF AN AIRPORT WHERE THERE WAS FUEL AVAILABLE. THE PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY COMPUTE HIS FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR THE EXISTING HEADWIND CONDITIONS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT HAD FLOWN ABOUT 3.7 HOURS AND WAS ABOUT 2 MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT WHEN THE ENGINE STOPPED AND HE WAS FORCED TO LAND IN A SWAMP. THE PILOT HAD TOPPED OFF THE ACFT SO THAT IT CONTAINED 42 GALLONS OF FUEL (38 GALLONS OF USABLE FUEL). THE WRECKAGE EXAMINATION INDICATED THAT THE FUEL SYSTEM WAS TOTALLY VOID OF FUEL. THE PILOT DID NOT ATTEMPT TO LAND AT ANOTHER AIRPORT TO REFUEL EVEN THOUGH THE FLIGHT CAME WITHIN 5 MILES OF AN AIRPORT WHERE THERE WAS FUEL AVAILABLE. THE PILOT FAILED TO PROPERLY COMPUTE HIS FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR THE EXISTING HEADWIND CONDITIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:45 EST
Nearest Airport2nm ENE
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172
Tail NumberN2840Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 38 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C / 21 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourceWFAC