On May 16, 1982, a Cessna 177B (registration N16150) operated by Lake Co. Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near 6 NM S. OF Lake, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot conducted a preflight check that showed fuel reaching the bottom of the tank tabs. Twenty-two minutes after takeoff, the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion, resulting in a hard landing.
What happened
The pilot reported conducting a standard preflight inspection of the aircraft prior to departure. During this visual examination of the fuel tanks, the fuel level was observed to reach the bottom of the tabs inside the tanks. Following takeoff, the flight proceeded normally for twenty-two minutes until the engine suddenly quit. The pilot attempted an emergency landing during which the aircraft collided with a ditch, causing the landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
After ensuring the condition of his passengers, the pilot examined the fuel tanks and confirmed they were completely empty. A subsequent mechanical examination of the engine revealed no discrepancies that would account for fuel exhaustion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.