On May 28, 1990, a Cessna 172E (registration N3888S) operated by Fant, Elvin T. Sr. was involved in an aviation accident near Glendale, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION. RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM REFUELING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After noticing right fuel gauge empty and left quarter full, pilot departed for short flight. Engine failed near destination, forced landing to road resulted in stall during flare and ground collision. Post-accident found one inch of fuel in each tank.
Accident Sequence
The pilot observed the right fuel gauge indicating empty and the left fuel gauge indicating one quarter full before departing for a short flight to the destination airport. During the approach to the destination, the engine failed. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a road in the area. While executing the landing flare, the aircraft stalled and subsequently collided with the ground.
Post-accident Examination
An examination of the fuel system after the accident revealed one inch of fuel in each fuel tank. No evidence of ruptures or leaks in the fuel system was found.
What happened in the 28 May 1990 Cessna 172E accident near Glendale, AZ?
After noticing right fuel gauge empty and left quarter full, pilot departed for short flight. Engine failed near destination, forced landing to road resulted in stall during flare and ground collision. Post-accident found one inch of fuel in each tank.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 May 1990 involved a Cessna 172E, registration N3888S, operated by Fant, Elvin T. Sr., at Glendale, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL EXHAUSTION. RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM REFUELING.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…