Casualties unknown

Engine Failure from Fuel Exhaustion Results in Nose-First Impact During Forced Landing (N64728)

Lopez Island, WA, US

On March 19, 1987, a Cessna 172 (registration N64728) was involved in an aviation accident near Lopez Island, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to visually check the fuel tanks and reliance on fuel gauges and personal estimation. 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

An aircraft engine failed in cruise due to fuel exhaustion after the pilot relied on gauges and estimation rather than visually checking fuel tanks. During a forced landing, the pilot raised the nose to avoid a cow, leading to a nose-first ground impact.

Incident Details

During cruise flight, the aircraft's engine ceased operation due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot had neglected to perform a visual inspection of the fuel tanks prior to departure, instead depending on the fuel gauges and a personal estimation that sufficient fuel remained to complete the flight.

Pilot Actions

Following the engine failure, the pilot executed a forced landing onto a field. As the aircraft descended, a cow entered the intended landing area. In an effort to avoid striking the animal, the pilot raised the nose of the aircraft.

Outcome

The adjustment in pitch caused the aircraft to contact the ground nose first. The incident resulted from fuel exhaustion, which was a consequence of the pilot's decision to rely on fuel gauges and subjective estimation rather than a direct visual check of the fuel tanks.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to visually check the fuel tanks and reliance on fuel gauges and personal estimation.

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 19 Mar 1987 Cessna 172 accident near Lopez Island, WA?

An aircraft engine failed in cruise due to fuel exhaustion after the pilot relied on gauges and estimation rather than visually checking fuel tanks. During a forced landing, the pilot raised the nose to avoid a cow, leading to a nose-first ground impact.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 19 Mar 1987 involved a Cessna 172, registration N64728, at Lopez Island, WA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to visually check the fuel tanks and reliance on fuel gauges and personal estimation.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X30553. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.