On December 28, 1988, a Cessna 177A (registration N30564) was involved in an aviation accident near West Palm Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After being informed that no fuel was available at Lakeland, a private pilot continued the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion after 4 hours 12 minutes. The pilot executed a forced landing into trees.
Accident Details
The private pilot contacted Lakeland Tower while in flight at approximately 2115 and was informed that no fuel was available at that location. Despite this information, the pilot elected to continue the flight. After a total flight time of 4 hours and 12 minutes, the aircraft experienced an engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing into trees.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that he had refueled the aircraft the day before the accident flight. However, he did not conduct a preflight inspection that included visually checking the fuel level prior to departure.
Outcome
The engine failure was caused by fuel exhaustion. The aircraft came to rest in trees after the forced landing.
What happened in the 28 Dec 1988 Cessna 177A accident near West Palm Beach, FL?
After being informed that no fuel was available at Lakeland, a private pilot continued the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion after 4 hours 12 minutes. The pilot executed a forced landing into trees.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Dec 1988 involved a Cessna 177A, registration N30564, at West Palm Beach, FL.
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