On June 18, 1984, a Cessna 177B (registration N30865) operated by Jerry Rhodes was involved in an aviation accident near Henning, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to continue flying with insufficient fuel, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft experienced a complete power loss during flight, necessitating an emergency forced landing. Post-accident inspection revealed no usable fuel remained in the tanks.
What happened
The aircraft encountered a total loss of engine power while airborne, which resulted in an emergency forced landing on unprepared terrain. The pilot had previously executed two landings along the route specifically to refuel the aircraft. Despite these stops, the pilot was unable to acquire enough fuel to safely complete the remainder of the flight.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the airframe and engine systems revealed that no usable fuel remained in the fuel tanks at the time of the incident. This physical evidence confirmed a state of fuel exhaustion as the primary mechanical factor leading to the power loss.
Findings
The pilot elected to continue the flight after the final refueling stop, despite having only marginal or insufficient fuel quantities available. This decision to proceed with inadequate fuel reserves directly contributed to the inability to maintain engine operation and the subsequent forced landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to continue flying with insufficient fuel, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.
What happened in the 18 Jun 1984 Cessna 177B accident near Henning, TN?
An aircraft experienced a complete power loss during flight, necessitating an emergency forced landing. Post-accident inspection revealed no usable fuel remained in the tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 18 Jun 1984 involved a Cessna 177B, registration N30865, operated by Jerry Rhodes, at Henning, TN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to continue flying with insufficient fuel, which led to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent loss of engine power.
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