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Student Pilot Experiences Fuel Exhaustion During Solo Cross-Country Flight (N734XX)

West Branch, MI, US

On July 24, 1986, a Cessna 172N (registration N734XX) was involved in an aviation accident near West Branch, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the student pilot's failure to refuel as advised, relying on fuel burn calculations instead of verifying fuel quantity. 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.

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

A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight experienced fuel exhaustion 44 nautical miles from the destination, resulting in a forced landing into trees. The CFI had advised refueling, but the student relied on fuel burn calculations.

Incident Details

A student pilot conducted a solo cross-country flight. Before departure, the student's certified flight instructor (CFI) recommended refueling at an en route airport because fuel was not available at the departure airport. The student did not visually check the fuel tanks by dipping them, stating instead, "Based on my calculations of fuel burn there should have been enough fuel to complete the trip without refueling at another location."

Sequence of Events

Approximately 44 nautical miles northeast of the destination airport, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot executed a forced landing, during which the aircraft collided with trees.

Findings

The investigation determined that the fuel exhaustion was the result of the student's decision not to refuel as advised, relying solely on preflight fuel burn calculations rather than verifying actual fuel quantity.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the student pilot's failure to refuel as advised, relying on fuel burn calculations instead of verifying fuel quantity.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Jul 1986 Cessna 172N accident near West Branch, MI?

A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight experienced fuel exhaustion 44 nautical miles from the destination, resulting in a forced landing into trees. The CFI had advised refueling, but the student relied on fuel burn calculations.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Jul 1986 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N734XX, at West Branch, MI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion due to the student pilot's failure to refuel as advised, relying on fuel burn calculations instead of verifying fuel quantity.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34126. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.