On August 18, 1991, a Cessna 172G (registration N5921R) operated by Kainoa Aviation, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Hilo, HI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE INSTALLATION OF A NON STANDARD PROPELLER FOR WHICH NO PERFORMANCE CHARTS WERE AVAILABLE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An investigation found less than one gallon of fuel in the combined fuel system. The pilot's flight planning was accurate, but a non-standard propeller unknowingly installed by a previous owner invalidated performance charts.
Investigation Findings
During the post-incident inspection, investigators discovered less than one gallon of fuel remaining in the aircraft's combined fuel system. The pilot stated that he had planned the flight and calculated the required fuel prior to departure. He produced the flight planning document for FAA inspectors, who confirmed that the plan accurately detailed the trip.
Propeller Discrepancy
FAA inspectors found that the aircraft was equipped with a McCauley 1C172EM7649 propeller. However, the performance charts in the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) were based on the installation of either a 7653 or 7651 propeller. The FAA determined that the McCauley 7649 propeller is an allowable installation on the aircraft, although it is a non-standard one. According to the FAA, the 7649 propeller would affect the performance of the aircraft.
Ownership and Awareness
Review of the aircraft records revealed that the propeller was installed by a previous owner. The current owner was unaware of the non-standard propeller installation and that it invalidated the performance charts.