On October 3, 1982, a Cessna 152 (registration N757PF) operated by Kent Allen Stiawalt was involved in an aviation accident near Mcpherson, KS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing emergency landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot flying a local area flight ran out of fuel after approximately one hour and 17 minutes of flight time, resulting in an engine failure and a hard landing with nose gear collapse.
What happened
The pilot estimated that there was approximately 10 gallons of fuel on board before initiating takeoff. Following three local takeoffs and landings, the pilot picked up a passenger and continued flying in the immediate vicinity. After accumulating about one hour and 17 minutes of flight time, the engine experienced a loss of power. The pilot attempted to land in an alfalfa field. During the landing sequence, the nose gear failed. The aircraft bounced upon initial contact with the ground and subsequently nosed over after touching down for a second time.
The investigation
Post-acc examination confirmed that no fuel was found in the wing tanks. This finding supported the pilot's report that he had exhausted the available fuel supply during the flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing emergency landing.
What happened in the 3 Oct 1982 Cessna 152 accident near Mcpherson, KS?
A pilot flying a local area flight ran out of fuel after approximately one hour and 17 minutes of flight time, resulting in an engine failure and a hard landing with nose gear collapse.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 Oct 1982 involved a Cessna 152, registration N757PF, operated by Kent Allen Stiawalt, at Mcpherson, KS.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and an ensuing emergency landing.
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