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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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June 4, 2001 · Cessna 172L · N18PF

Picayune, MS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 4, 2001
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Picayune, MS
Aircraft
Cessna 172L
Tail Number
N18PF
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL01LA062

According to the pilot, he was enroute when the engine lost power and quit. During an emergency descent out of 4500 feet, the pilot attempted to restore full engine power but failed. During the emergency descent to land in a hilly farm field, the airplane's left wing struck a utility pole severing the left wing from the airplane. During the onsite inspection, the two main fuel tanks were found to be empty as well as the right auxiliary fuel tank. The left auxiliary fuel tank had approximately 11.5 gallons. The pilot attempted, but was unable to switch to the left auxiliary fuel tank due to a blown fuse. The fuses to the auxiliary fuel tanks are not accessible to the pilot in flight, this resulted in his inability to check them for condition or replace them, in flight.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inflight fuel planning /decision that resulted in fuel starvation and a loss of engine power. A factor was the failure of the fuel transfer pump.

Full Narrative

On June 4, 2001, at 1530 central daylight time, a Cessna 172L, N18PF, made an emergency landing in a field after a loss of engine power 17 miles north of Picayune, Mississippi. The flight was operated by the pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR part 91 with no flight plan filed. The airplane was sustained substantial damage, and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Eufaula, Alabama, at 1315 central daylight time. According to the pilot, he was enroute from Eufaula, Alabama, to Bogolusa, Louisiana, when the engine lost power and quit. During an emergency descent out of 4500 feet, the pilot attempted to restore full engine power but failed. The pilot then executed a forced landing to a nearby field. During the emergency descent to land in a hilly farm field, the airplane's left wing struck a utility pole severing the left wing from the airplane. Onsite examination of the airplane revealed the fuel selector was found on both, and the main auxiliary fuel pump switch was in the "off" position. Further inspection showed the shoulder harness on the pilots side were not in use at the time of the accident. The Cessna had two additional auxiliary fuel tanks installed with a Supplemental Type Certificate in August, 2000. These auxiliary fuel tanks are operated by auxiliary fuel pumps. Each fuel tank held approximately 11.5 gallons. During the onsite wreckage examination, the two main fuel tanks were found to be empty as well as the right auxiliary fuel tank. The left auxiliary fuel tank had approximately 11.5 gallons, of fuel remaining. The left auxiliary fuel pump was removed and it was full of fuel. There were no sediment or contamination found during the inspection. The pump was tested with a 12 VDC source, the left auxiliary fuel pump operated and pumped fuel. An in line fuse was found under the instrument panel, and it had failed. The pilot was unable to switch to the left auxiliary fuel tank. The pilot stated that when he attempted to transfer fuel from the left auxiliary fuel tank, the indicator light did not come on and no fuel transfer was observed. The fuses to the auxiliary fuel tanks are not accessible to the pilot in flight, this resulted in the lack of ability to check them for condition or replace them. The pilot did not refuel the airplane before takeoff, nor did he terminate the flight once he was aware the transfer of fuel was not possible from the left auxiliary fuel tank.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:30 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172L
Tail NumberN18PF
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-AIA · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 15 kt, gusting 22 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 22 ft
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data