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Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing and Nose-Over (N2780L)

Upper Marlboro, MD, US

On March 12, 1986, a Cessna 172H (registration N2780L) was involved in an aviation accident near Upper Marlboro, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's use of an inaccurate fuel consumption rate of 5 GPH, instead of the correct 8.5 GPH from the aircraft performance chart, resulted in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot who measured fuel with a dipstick before departure ran out of fuel short of destination, resulting in a forced landing and nose-over. The pilot used an incorrect fuel consumption rate.

Preflight Fuel Measurement

The pilot was aware that the aircraft's fuel gauges were inaccurate. Before departing, the pilot measured the fuel in each tank using a dipstick, determining that the aircraft held 18 gallons of fuel. Based on a planned flight duration of two hours and an assumed fuel consumption rate of 5 gallons per hour, the pilot calculated a reserve of 8 gallons.

Fuel Consumption Miscalculation

An aircraft performance chart located in the cockpit indicated a fuel consumption rate of 8.5 gallons per hour for the engine operating at 75% power at an altitude of 2,500 feet MSL. This rate did not account for fuel used during engine start, taxi, and climb. The pilot's planned consumption rate of 5 GPH was significantly lower than the actual rate specified in the performance chart.

Outcome

During the flight, the aircraft exhausted its fuel supply before reaching the intended destination. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field, during which the aircraft nosed over.

Probable cause

The pilot's use of an inaccurate fuel consumption rate of 5 GPH, instead of the correct 8.5 GPH from the aircraft performance chart, resulted in fuel exhaustion.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Mar 1986 Cessna 172H accident near Upper Marlboro, MD?

A pilot who measured fuel with a dipstick before departure ran out of fuel short of destination, resulting in a forced landing and nose-over. The pilot used an incorrect fuel consumption rate.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Mar 1986 involved a Cessna 172H, registration N2780L, at Upper Marlboro, MD.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's use of an inaccurate fuel consumption rate of 5 GPH, instead of the correct 8.5 GPH from the aircraft performance chart, resulted in fuel exhaustion.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32994. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.