On November 11, 1990, a Cessna 177A (registration N30438) operated by Giles, Wilma was involved in an aviation accident near Dana Point, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot failed to account for the additional fuel consumption used while executing takeoffs and landings. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot who completed three takeoffs and landings without refueling experienced a total engine power loss about 35 minutes into a subsequent flight. The airplane struck a palm tree during an emergency landing. Examination revealed no fuel in the tanks.
Accident Sequence
The pilot had conducted three takeoffs and landings without any refueling between flights. According to the pilot, the flight time accumulated before departing on the accident leg was 3.4 hours. At the time of the accident, the total flight time had reached approximately 4.1 hours. The accident leg lasted about 35 minutes after departure before the airplane sustained a total engine power loss. During the subsequent emergency landing, the airplane struck a palm tree and crashed.
Examination and Findings
The pilot informed rescue personnel that the airplane had run out of gas. A thorough wreckage examination was conducted, which disclosed no evidence of fuel in the tanks nor any fuel spillage at the accident site.
Probable Cause
The pilot failed to account for the additional fuel consumption used while executing takeoffs and landings.
What happened in the 11 Nov 1990 Cessna 177A accident near Dana Point, CA?
A pilot who completed three takeoffs and landings without refueling experienced a total engine power loss about 35 minutes into a subsequent flight. The airplane struck a palm tree during an emergency landing. Examination revealed no fuel in the tanks.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 11 Nov 1990 involved a Cessna 177A, registration N30438, operated by Giles, Wilma, at Dana Point, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot failed to account for the additional fuel consumption used while executing takeoffs and landings.
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