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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

December 3, 1988 · Cessna 172B · N7917X

Plano, TX

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 3, 1988
Injury Outcomes
4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Location
Plano, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172B
Tail Number
N7917X
Operator
J&J Aviation
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW89LA027

THE PLT WAS ON A MULTIPLE LEG X-COUNTRY FLT & LANDED AT AN ALTERNATE ARPT TO ADD 'A LITTLE EXTRA FUEL.' DUE TO LOCKED PUMPS, FUEL WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SO HE ELECTED TO FLY TO A NEARBY ARPT. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE ENG LOST POWER. DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD, THE NOSE GEAR FAILED & THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED THE TANKS WERE ABOUT 1/8 FULL, BUT DURING A POST-ACDNT EXAM, ONLY ABOUT 3 CUPS OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE TANKS. THE ENG RAN NORMALLY DURING A POST-ACDNT TEST.

NTSB Probable Cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION WHICH RESULTED FROM THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO UTILIZE NUMEROUS SUITABLE SOURCES OF FUEL ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT.

Full Narrative

THE PLT WAS ON A MULTIPLE LEG X-COUNTRY FLT & LANDED AT AN ALTERNATE ARPT TO ADD 'A LITTLE EXTRA FUEL.' DUE TO LOCKED PUMPS, FUEL WAS NOT AVAILABLE, SO HE ELECTED TO FLY TO A NEARBY ARPT. HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER LIFT-OFF, THE ENG LOST POWER. DURING AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD, THE NOSE GEAR FAILED & THE ACFT NOSED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGES INDICATED THE TANKS WERE ABOUT 1/8 FULL, BUT DURING A POST-ACDNT EXAM, ONLY ABOUT 3 CUPS OF FUEL WAS DRAINED FROM THE TANKS. THE ENG RAN NORMALLY DURING A POST-ACDNT TEST.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:52 CST
Nearest AirportDallas Air Park (1nm SSE)
Runway16
Runway Length3000 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172B
Tail NumberN7917X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJ&J Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300-A · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary4 injuries (1 serious injury, 3 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor3
Uninjured0
Total4
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 46
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time23:49
Weather SourceWFAC

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Appendix: Source Data