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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 4, 2005 · Cessna 172F · N5320R

Haleyville, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 4, 2005
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Haleyville, AL
Aircraft
Cessna 172F
Tail Number
N5320R
Operator
Harold H Bearden
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL05CA157

The pilot stated during the preflight inspection that the left and right fuel gauge indicated a quarter tank of fuel. The pilot did not visually check the fuel tank or stick the fuel tank before departing on the flight. While in cruise flight at 1,500 feet MSL, the engine sputtered and lost. The pilot stated he looked at the left and right fuel gauge and they both indicated empty. The pilot made a forced landing to an open field and the airplane collided with a burrow and flipped over. The pilot stated, "there were not a mechanical malfunction, he simply failed to ensure he had sufficient fuel on the airplane during the preflight inspection."

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots inadequate preflight of the fuel tank resulting in a total loss of engine power in cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a forced landing, and nose over on landing roll out.

Full Narrative

On September 4, 2005, at 1857 central daylight time, a Cessna 172F, N5320R, registered to and operated by a private owner, as a 14 CFR Part 91 visual flight, nosed over during a forced landing in a field near Haleyville, Alabama. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and a visual flight plan was not filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Posey Field, Haleyville, Alabama, on September 4, 2005, at 1842. The pilot stated during the preflight inspection that the left and right fuel gauge indicated a quarter tank of fuel. The pilot did not visually check the fuel tank or stick the fuel tank before departing on the flight. While in cruise flight at 1,500 feet MSL, the engine sputtered and lost. The pilot stated he looked at the left and right fuel gauge and they both indicated empty. The pilot made a forced landing to an open field and the airplane collided with a burrow and flipped over. The pilot stated, there were not a mechanical malfunction.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:57 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172F
Tail NumberN5320R
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorHarold H Bearden
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-300D · Reciprocating · 145
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 59 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind50° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data