On October 24, 1986, a Cessna 172 (registration CGZWK) was involved in an aviation accident near Weed, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, as evidenced by empty fuel tanks despite gauges indicating sufficient fuel. 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 attempted a forced landing after engine failure near Weed, Calif., but the aircraft struck terrain short of the airport due to empty fuel tanks despite gauge readings.
What happened
The incident occurred during a cross-country flight when the engine failed approximately six miles north of Weed, California. The pilot initiated an emergency forced landing procedure in response to the power loss. However, the aircraft collided with the terrain 150 feet short of the intended airport runway.
The investigation
A post-acc examination of the aircraft revealed that both fuel tanks were completely empty at the time of the incident. Prior to the engine failure, the pilot reported that both fuel gauges indicated the tanks contained approximately one-quarter full of fuel.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was fuel exhaustion. The discrepancy between the fuel gauge readings and the actual fuel quantity in the tanks led to an unexpected power loss during flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, as evidenced by empty fuel tanks despite gauges indicating sufficient fuel.
What happened in the 24 Oct 1986 Cessna 172 accident near Weed, CA?
A pilot attempted a forced landing after engine failure near Weed, Calif., but the aircraft struck terrain short of the airport due to empty fuel tanks despite gauge readings.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 24 Oct 1986 involved a Cessna 172, registration CGZWK, at Weed, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, as evidenced by empty fuel tanks despite gauges indicating sufficient fuel.
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