Flight Details
A pilot originally destined for Lexington, Kentucky, amended the destination to Indianapolis, Indiana, while en route between Bluefield, Kentucky, and Lexington. The flight departed Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, at 1530 Eastern Standard Time. The pilot reported fuel exhaustion to Indianapolis International Approach Control at 2030 EST.
Fuel Calculations
The pilot stated that fuel consumption was calculated at 7.1 gallons per hour (GPH) but did not account for the Cessna 172 time/fuel-to-climb chart or the 10% variance for aircraft and engine condition, accessory condition, or turbulence. When recalculated at 7.8 GPH (7.1 GPH cruise consumption plus 10% variance), the remaining flight endurance after takeoff and climb was approximately 5.1 hours.
Accident Sequence
The aircraft collided with an overpass support structure while landing in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 74, approximately four miles east-southeast of Shelbyville, Indiana.
Post-Accident Findings
Following the accident, approximately one cup of fuel was drained from the aircraft's wing sumps and gascolator.