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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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

October 9, 2004 · Cessna 172M · N80657

Eliot, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 9, 2004
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Eliot, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 172M
Tail Number
N80657
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC05CA003

The airplane was inbound for landing when the engine began to alternately lose and gain power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a corn field, and the airplane's nose gear, and both wings were damaged. Examination of the airplane revealed no visible fuel in both of the airplane's fuel tanks. When the fuel line from carburetor was removed, it yielded, "a few drops of fuel." In addition, there was no evidence of a fuel spill in the area surrounding the accident site. The airplane's fuel system contained 38 gallons of useable fuel, and the airplane had been operated for 4.4 hours since it was last refueled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning decision, which resulted a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Full Narrative

On October 9, 2004, about 0930 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172M, N80657, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Eliot, Maine. The certificated private pilot, and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that departed Bar Harbor, Maine, about 0740. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Pat 91. In a written statement, the pilot reported that he intended to land at Skyhaven Airport (DAW), in Rochester, New Hampshire; however, he observed a layer of clouds about 200 to 400 feet above the ground, near the airport. The pilot elected to remain in the area for about 10 minutes, and did not observe any change in the cloud layer. He then elected to land at Pease International Airport (PSM), Portsmouth, New Hampshire; which was located about 14 miles south-southeast of DAW. While en route, the engine began to alternately lose and gain power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a corn field. During the landing, the nose gear separated, and both wings were damaged. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no visible fuel in both of the airplane's fuel tanks. When the fuel line from carburetor was removed, it yielded, "a few drops of fuel." In addition, there was no evidence of a fuel spill in the area surrounding the accident site. The airplane's Hobbs time at the accident site was 2728.0. The pilot did not add any fuel to the airplane prior to his flight. According to the airplane's owner and the rental log, the airplane had been operated for 4.4 hours since it was last refueled. The airplane's fuel system capacity included 38 gallons of useable fuel. The pilot reported 1,200 hours of total flight experience, which included 300 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest AirportPease International Tradeport (6nm N)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172M
Tail NumberN80657
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 150
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 41 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind220° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 54
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data