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NTSB Report
April 8, 1989 · Cessna 177RG · N7504V
Barnwell, SC
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 8, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Location
Barnwell, SC
Aircraft
Cessna 177RG
Tail Number
N7504V
Operator
Erdy J Walter
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL89LA128
THE PILOT REPORTED HE WAS AT 4000 FEET IN CRUISE WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD FLIPPING OVER AFTER THE NOSE WHEEL DUG INTO SOFT DIRT. TWO FACTORS PRESENT WERE STRONG WINDS ALOFT AND INACCURATE FUEL INDICATING SYSTEM. THE RIGHT FLOAT WHEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK SHOWED TWO NEEDLE WIDTH OF FUEL REMAINING. THE PILOT ALLOWED ONE TANK TO GO EMPTY AND RELIED ON THE RIGHT TANK INDICATION OF LESS THEN ONE QUARTER FULL. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ENROUTE FOR 4 HOURS AND 22 MINUTES AND WAS 78 STATUTE MILES FROM DESTINATION. THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN ADEQUATE FUEL TO COMPLETE THE FLIGHT WITH AN IFR RESERVE WITH THE FUEL INDICATED. THE PILOT HAD PLANNED FOR A 4 HOUR FLIGHT WITH 5.5 HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT'S POOR IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION IN CONTINUING FLIGHT TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WITHOUT REFUELING WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION. UNFAVORABLE WINDS AND INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS WERE CONTRIBUTING FACTORS.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT REPORTED HE WAS AT 4000 FEET IN CRUISE WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE AIRCRAFT LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD FLIPPING OVER AFTER THE NOSE WHEEL DUG INTO SOFT DIRT. TWO FACTORS PRESENT WERE STRONG WINDS ALOFT AND INACCURATE FUEL INDICATING SYSTEM. THE RIGHT FLOAT WHEN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE TANK SHOWED TWO NEEDLE WIDTH OF FUEL REMAINING. THE PILOT ALLOWED ONE TANK TO GO EMPTY AND RELIED ON THE RIGHT TANK INDICATION OF LESS THEN ONE QUARTER FULL. THE AIRCRAFT HAD BEEN ENROUTE FOR 4 HOURS AND 22 MINUTES AND WAS 78 STATUTE MILES FROM DESTINATION. THE PILOT DID NOT MAINTAIN ADEQUATE FUEL TO COMPLETE THE FLIGHT WITH AN IFR RESERVE WITH THE FUEL INDICATED. THE PILOT HAD PLANNED FOR A 4 HOUR FLIGHT WITH 5.5 HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:40 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledIFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 177RG
Tail NumberN7504V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorErdy J Walter
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-360-A1B6D · Reciprocating · 200
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured2
Total4
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 30 kt, gusting 40 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingOvercast 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point39 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO