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Casualties unknown

Pilot Forced to Land After Fuel Exhaustion During VFR Flight in IFR Conditions (N2556U)

Cumming, GA, US

On January 27, 1989, a Cessna 172D (registration N2556U) operated by E. Wayne Fredericks was involved in an aviation accident near Cumming, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT IN ADVERSE METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT NIGHT WITH AN INOPERATIVE ATTITUDE INDICATOR AND INSUFFICIENT FUEL RESERVE FOR THE INTENDED 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot departed PDK for McCollum, encountered IFR conditions while VFR, and ran out of fuel after 32 minutes. The aircraft collided with a power line and trees during the forced landing.

Flight Sequence and Weather Briefing The pilot had completed a round trip from his home airport to Augusta. On the return, he diverted due to weather, landing at PDK around 2400 after departing Augusta at 2315. At approximately 0122, he received a weather briefing from FSS. The briefer reported IFR conditions. The pilot stated he was 'instrument' rated, but the aircraft was not equipped for instrument flight, lacking an attitude indicator. He departed PDK for McCollum around 0245. ## Radio Contact and Fuel Exhaustion At 0306, ZTL recorded the pilot reporting he 'got into some soup and was VFR.' He indicated he was not IFR qualified. After receiving vectors, the pilot said he could see the ground. At his request, he was turned toward PDK. He then radioed that he was out of fuel. Earlier in the sequence, he had indicated sufficient fuel for 1.5 hours. The total time from initial radio contact to fuel exhaustion was about 32 minutes. ## Forced Landing During the forced landing, the aircraft collided with a power line and trees.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 Jan 1989 Cessna 172D accident near Cumming, GA?

A pilot departed PDK for McCollum, encountered IFR conditions while VFR, and ran out of fuel after 32 minutes. The aircraft collided with a power line and trees during the forced landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 Jan 1989 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2556U, operated by E. Wayne Fredericks, at Cumming, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT VFR FLIGHT IN ADVERSE METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT NIGHT WITH AN INOPERATIVE ATTITUDE INDICATOR AND INSUFFICIENT FUEL RESERVE FOR THE INTENDED FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27541. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.