Casualties unknown

Night Crash Due to Fuel Exhaustion After Wing Tank Collapse (N11PG)

Hasty, AR, US

On October 7, 1989, a Cessna 182 (registration N11PG) operated by Standefer, Wayne B. was involved in an aviation accident near Hasty, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion due to the detachment and collapse of the right wing fuel cell, which reduced the available fuel supply. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft lost engine power during cruise and crashed into trees while attempting a night emergency landing. Investigation found the right wing fuel cell detached, emptying the tank.

What happened

The pilot was flying toward the destination airport when the engine suddenly lost power. With no time to reach the airfield, the pilot attempted an emergency landing at night. During this forced approach, the aircraft struck trees and a fence, resulting in a crash.

The investigation

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the right wing fuel cell had become detached at its upper mounting point. This structural failure caused the fuel cell to collapse inward. As a result, the total quantity of usable fuel available from that specific wing tank was significantly reduced. Further inspection confirmed that both fuel tanks were empty of usable fuel at the time of impact.

Findings

The primary factor leading to the accident was fuel exhaustion. The collapse of the right wing fuel cell prevented the engine from drawing sufficient fuel, causing the power loss that made a safe landing impossible.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion due to the detachment and collapse of the right wing fuel cell, which reduced the available fuel supply.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29673. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.