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NTSB Report
July 24, 1986 · Cessna 172N · N734XX
West Branch, MI
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 24, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
West Branch, MI
Aircraft
Cessna 172N
Tail Number
N734XX
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI86LA178
THE STUDENT PILOT'S CFI HAD ADVISED HIM TO REFUEL AT AN EN ROUTE ARPT ON THE X-COUNTY SOLO FLT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL AVAIL AT DEPARTURE ARPT. THE STUDENT DID NOT DIP THETANKS BUT STATED 'BASED ON MY CALCULATIONS OF FUEL BURN THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH FUEL TO COMPLETE THE TRIP WITHOUT REFUELING AT ANOTHER LOCATION'. FUEL EXHAUSTION WAS EXPERIENCED 44 NM NORTHEAST OF THE DESTINATION ARPT AND THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE FORCED LANING.
Full Narrative
THE STUDENT PILOT'S CFI HAD ADVISED HIM TO REFUEL AT AN EN ROUTE ARPT ON THE X-COUNTY SOLO FLT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL AVAIL AT DEPARTURE ARPT. THE STUDENT DID NOT DIP THETANKS BUT STATED 'BASED ON MY CALCULATIONS OF FUEL BURN THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH FUEL TO COMPLETE THE TRIP WITHOUT REFUELING AT ANOTHER LOCATION'. FUEL EXHAUSTION WAS EXPERIENCED 44 NM NORTHEAST OF THE DESTINATION ARPT AND THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE FORCED LANING.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:40 EDT
Nearest AirportWest Branch (1nm E)
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 172N
Tail NumberN734XX
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-H2AD · Reciprocating · 160
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 10 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time13:55
Weather SourceWFAC