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Casualties unknown

Residual Fuel Found After Lake Havasu Flight (N736MR)

Santa Clarita, CA, US

On May 27, 1991, a Cessna R172K (registration N736MR) operated by San Val Flying Service was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Clarita, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PERFORM PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY EXISTED FOR THE FLIGHT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

On May 24, 1991, a pilot departed Van Nuys with less than full fuel, added 11.8 gallons at Lake Havasu, but after the accident only residual fuel remained in the tanks.

Flight Details

According to the operator, the pilot left Van Nuys on the afternoon of May 24, 1991, en route to Lake Havasu for the weekend. At the time the pilot accepted the aircraft, the fuel level was something less than full.

Fueling Event

At Lake Havasu, the pilot loaded 11.8 gallons of fuel on board the aircraft. No further fueling is mentioned in the available information.

Post-Accident Examination

Examination of the aircraft at the accident site by FAA personnel from the Van Nuys, California, Flight Standards District Office revealed that only residual fuel was left in the fuel tanks. The inspection focused on the fuel system and confirmed that no usable fuel remained.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 27 May 1991 Cessna R172K accident near Santa Clarita, CA?

On May 24, 1991, a pilot departed Van Nuys with less than full fuel, added 11.8 gallons at Lake Havasu, but after the accident only residual fuel remained in the tanks.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 27 May 1991 involved a Cessna R172K, registration N736MR, operated by San Val Flying Service, at Santa Clarita, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY PERFORM PREFLIGHT PLANNING AND TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY EXISTED FOR THE FLIGHT.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17055. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.