What happened
The aircraft was involved in a cross-country flight that lasted approximately four hours and thirty-five minutes. During this phase of operations, the engine experienced a failure, which necessitated an immediate forced landing. While attempting to execute this emergency procedure, the aircraft collided with power lines and subsequently crashed to the ground.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed that no appreciable amount of fuel remained in the fuel system. This finding was significant given the flight duration and the known performance characteristics of the aircraft. The pilot had stated that the fuel consumption rate was approximately eight to nine gallons per hour, and the total fuel capacity was forty gallons.
Findings
The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The lack of remaining fuel in the system confirmed that the engine failure was caused by a depletion of fuel reserves rather than a mechanical malfunction. The aircraft type involved was a Cessna 177RG, and the registration was N98SW. The incident occurred during the landing phase, specifically while attempting to execute a forced landing due to the engine failure.
Safety message
This accident highlights the critical importance of accurate fuel planning and monitoring during extended cross-country flights. Pilots must ensure that fuel reserves are sufficient for the entire flight duration, including contingencies, to prevent fuel exhaustion which can lead to catastrophic engine failure.