On September 28, 1991, a Cessna 172C (registration N1669Y) operated by Kenneth Poteet Flying Serv Inc was involved in an aviation accident near Palm Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to a malfunctioning left fuel gauge. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot became disorientated during a cross-country flight and, while attempting to correct the course, experienced fuel exhaustion. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a cross-country flight when he became disorientated regarding his position or intended route. During the process of correcting the course, the engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was substantially damaged during the forced landing.
The investigation
Post-accident examination revealed that the aircraft had been operated for 3.8 hours since it was last fueled. The pilot stated that the left fuel gauge was malfunctioning prior to the flight, which likely contributed to the inaccurate assessment of available fuel quantities.
Findings
The primary factors leading to the accident were the pilot's disorientation and the subsequent fuel exhaustion. The malfunctioning fuel gauge prevented accurate monitoring of fuel levels during the flight.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to a malfunctioning left fuel gauge.
What happened in the 28 Sept 1991 Cessna 172C accident near Palm Beach, FL?
A pilot became disorientated during a cross-country flight and, while attempting to correct the course, experienced fuel exhaustion. The aircraft sustained substantial damage during the subsequent forced landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Sept 1991 involved a Cessna 172C, registration N1669Y, operated by Kenneth Poteet Flying Serv Inc, at Palm Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to a malfunctioning left fuel gauge.
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