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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

May 5, 2011 · Cessna 172K · N46400

Farmersville, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 5, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Farmersville, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 172K
Tail Number
N46400
Operator
Texas Aerial Inspections
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN11CA322

Approximately 2 hours after departure on an aerial pipeline patrol flight, the pilot turned on the fuel transfer pump, which transfers fuel from the auxiliary baggage fuel tank to the airplane’s right wing fuel tank. The pilot reported that this was his routine and that it would take about two hours to transfer the fuel from the auxiliary tank to the wing fuel tank. The pilot added that, almost 4 hours after departure, the engine sputtered; he rocked the wings and noticed that the fuel transfer pump appeared to be off. He then started the fuel transfer again. The fuel transfer light came on; however, the airplane was too low to wait for the fuel to move to the wing fuel tank and then to the engine. So the pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a field. The airplane collided with several tree branches before impacting the ground and flipping over. During the forced landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to its right wing, aft fuselage, and top of the vertical stabilizer. The pilot also stated that sometime after he started the initial transfer of fuel the transfer pump apparently turned off and he did not notice.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's improper fuel management.

Full Narrative

Approximately 2-hours after departure on an aerial pipeline patrol flight, the pilot turned on the fuel transfer pump, which transfers fuel from the auxiliary baggage fuel tank to the airplane’s right wing fuel tank. The pilot reported that this was his standard routine, and that it would take about two hours to transfer the fuel from the auxiliary tank to the wing fuel tank. The pilot added that almost 4-hours after departure, the engine “sputtered”; he rocked the wings and noticed that the fuel transfer pump appeared off. He then started the fuel transfer again. The fuel transfer light came on; however, the airplane was too low to wait for the fuel to move to the wing fuel tank and then to the engine. So the pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a field. The airplane collided with several tree branches before impacting the ground and flipping over on to its back. During the forced landing the airplane sustained substantial damage to its right wing, aft fuselage, and top of the vertical stabilizer. The pilot also stated that some time after starting the initial transfer of fuel, the transfer pump apparently turned off, and he didn’t notice it. In the section, Recommendation (How could this accident have been prevented?) on the NTSB pilot/operator aircraft accident/incident report form, the pilot stated that moving the auxiliary fuel gauge and indicator light to the instrument panel; or a fuel flow meter on the instrument panel, would aid the pilot in noticing if the fuel transfer pump was on or fuel was actually transferring from the auxiliary fuel tank.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 172K
Tail NumberN46400
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTexas Aerial Inspections
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · 0-360 SERIES · Reciprocating · 180
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 49 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind170° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point50
Altimeter30.11 inHg
Observation Time20:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data