On July 7, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration N7098A) was involved in an aviation accident near Kirkland, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and engine failure. 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.
A pilot returning to Wisconsin from Cape Cod reported an engine failure after a long night flight. The aircraft collided with trees, and investigation revealed nearly empty fuel tanks.
What happened
The pilot had previously flown from Wisconsin to Cape Cod on Wednesday and was returning to Wisconsin on Sunday. He departed Provincetown on Sunday morning and stopped at Hyannis due to weather. He then flew on to Saratoga Springs, NY with a stop at Westover, arriving at Saratoga Springs at 2157 EDT. He departed Saratoga Springs at about 2250 EDT and after being airborne for about 4.25 hours, told Cleveland Approach Control that he had an engine out. The aircraft collided with trees.
The investigation
Two and one-half quarts of fuel were found in the left tank; right tank was empty. Although the right tank had been ruptured, no evidence of fuel spillage was found at the accident site.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and engine failure.
What happened in the 7 Jul 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Kirkland, OH?
A pilot returning to Wisconsin from Cape Cod reported an engine failure after a long night flight. The aircraft collided with trees, and investigation revealed nearly empty fuel tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 7 Jul 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration N7098A, at Kirkland, OH.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion and engine failure.
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