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May 5, 1985 · Cessna 175 · N7027E
Princefrederick, MD
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 1985
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Princefrederick, MD
Aircraft
Cessna 175
Tail Number
N7027E
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO85FA042
THE ACFT FLEW 2:15 FROM CAMBRIDGE, MD, TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA, EARLIER ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT AND WAS 2 HRS INTO THE RETURN FLT WHEN AT 5500 FT OVER PRINCE FREDERICK, MD, THE ENG LOST PWR DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, ACCORDING TO THE PASSENGER. THE APCH TO THE PRIVATE STRIP SELECTED FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS TOO HIGH, THE PLT STATED, AND TOUCHDOWN WAS BETWEEN HALF AND TWO-THIRDS DOWN THE 1850 FT RWY. THE ACFT COULD NOT BE STOPPED ON THE REMAINING RWY AND AN ATTEMPT TO TURN RIGHT AND AVOID TREES WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT HAD RECEIVED MAINTENANCE ON THE FUEL GAGES ON 4/29/85. THE LEFT FUEL GAGE SENDER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AT THAT TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER, A STUDENT PLT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAGES WERE FUNCTIONING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT FLEW 2:15 FROM CAMBRIDGE, MD, TO SMITH MOUNTAIN LAKE, VA, EARLIER ON THE DAY OF THE ACCIDENT AND WAS 2 HRS INTO THE RETURN FLT WHEN AT 5500 FT OVER PRINCE FREDERICK, MD, THE ENG LOST PWR DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION, ACCORDING TO THE PASSENGER. THE APCH TO THE PRIVATE STRIP SELECTED FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS TOO HIGH, THE PLT STATED, AND TOUCHDOWN WAS BETWEEN HALF AND TWO-THIRDS DOWN THE 1850 FT RWY. THE ACFT COULD NOT BE STOPPED ON THE REMAINING RWY AND AN ATTEMPT TO TURN RIGHT AND AVOID TREES WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE ACFT HAD RECEIVED MAINTENANCE ON THE FUEL GAGES ON 4/29/85. THE LEFT FUEL GAGE SENDER WAS NOT FUNCTIONING PROPERLY AT THAT TIME. ADDITIONALLY, THE PASSENGER, A STUDENT PLT STATED THAT THE FUEL GAGES WERE FUNCTIONING AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:35 EDT
Nearest AirportCedar Beach Farm (0nm N)
Runway14
Runway Length1850 ft
Runway Width25 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 175
Tail NumberN7027E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · GO-300-C · Reciprocating · 175
Seats4
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind230° @ 13 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:35
Weather SourceWFAC