On September 28, 1982, a Cessna 177B (registration N11562) operated by Leonard R. House Sr. was involved in an aviation accident near Forest Hill, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flying with insufficient fuel, which resulted in engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff, prompting the pilot to attempt a turn away from a congested area before crashing into a cornfield. The plane was destroyed by impact and fire.
What happened
Shortly after departing, the engine ceased producing power, leading to an immediate loss of control and subsequent crash landing in a nearby cornfield. In response to the mechanical failure, the pilot initiated a left turn in an effort to avoid a congested area on the ground. During this maneuver, the aircraft made contact with the terrain via the left wing first. The force of the impact was severe enough to demolish the airframe, and a fire ensued following the crash.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the airframe had been completely destroyed by the combination of high-energy impact and subsequent fire. There were no mechanical components remaining intact enough for detailed forensic analysis due to the severity of the destruction.
Findings
The pilot reported that prior to the incident, he had approximately a quarter of a tank of fuel in each wing tank. He stated that his intended destination was another airport where he planned to refuel. The loss of power is attributed to fuel exhaustion given the low quantity of fuel on board and the duration of flight required to reach the alternate field.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue flying with insufficient fuel, which resulted in engine failure due to fuel exhaustion.