On October 6, 1985, a Cessna 172 (registration N7798X) was involved in an aviation accident near Medford, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft collided with rocky terrain while attempting a forced landing after losing power. Investigation revealed the left fuel tank was empty, leaving only 1.5 gallons in the right tank.
What happened
The aircraft collided with rocky terrain during an attempted forced landing following a loss of power. A witness reported seeing the aircraft in a steep descending left turn at an altitude of approximately 100 feet above ground level. The descent continued until the left wing contacted the terrain.
The investigation
Post-accident inspection of the aircraft disclosed 1.5 gallons of fuel remaining in the right fuel tank. The left fuel tank was found empty.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was fuel exhaustion, as evidenced by the empty left tank and minimal fuel in the right tank.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 6 Oct 1985 Cessna 172 accident near Medford, OR?
An aircraft collided with rocky terrain while attempting a forced landing after losing power. Investigation revealed the left fuel tank was empty, leaving only 1.5 gallons in the right tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Oct 1985 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7798X, at Medford, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate fuel supply, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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