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Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss and Nose Gear Failure During Emergency Landing After Fuel Shortage (N7917X)

Plano, TX, US

On December 3, 1988, a Cessna 172B (registration N7917X) operated by J&j Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Plano, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION WHICH RESULTED FROM THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO UTILIZE NUMEROUS SUITABLE SOURCES OF FUEL ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A pilot on a cross-country flight experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff from an alternate airport. During an emergency landing in an open field, the nose gear failed and the aircraft nosed over. Post-accident examination found only about 3 cups of fuel despite gauges indicating 1/8 full.

Accident Details

A pilot was conducting a multi-leg cross-country flight. After landing at an alternate airport to add extra fuel, the pilot found that the fuel pumps were locked and fuel was not available. Consequently, the pilot decided to fly to a nearby airport for fuel. Shortly after lift-off from the alternate airport, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated an emergency landing in an open field. During the landing, the nose gear failed, causing the aircraft to nose over.

Fuel Examination

The pilot reported that the fuel gauges indicated the tanks were about one-eighth full. However, during a post-accident examination, only approximately three cups of fuel were drained from the tanks.

Post-Accident Test

A post-accident test of the engine was conducted, and it ran normally.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Dec 1988 Cessna 172B accident near Plano, TX?

A pilot on a cross-country flight experienced engine power loss shortly after takeoff from an alternate airport. During an emergency landing in an open field, the nose gear failed and the aircraft nosed over. Post-accident examination found only about 3 cups of fuel despite gauges indicating 1/8 full.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 172B, registration N7917X, operated by J&j Aviation, Inc., at Plano, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FUEL EXHAUSTION WHICH RESULTED FROM THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS AND HIS FAILURE TO UTILIZE NUMEROUS SUITABLE SOURCES OF FUEL ALONG HIS ROUTE OF FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27423. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.