On September 28, 1991, a Cessna 177B (registration N34980) operated by Gaylin M. Allen was involved in an aviation accident near Lake Charles, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM A COMPLETE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AS A RESULT OF INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A private pilot and his son experienced an engine failure during a night flight. The pilot attempted a forced landing, struck a guide wire while avoiding power lines, and the aircraft impacted the ground. Investigation found both fuel cells empty.
Event Description
A private pilot and his son departed on a short, scenic, local night flight. Approximately one hour after departure, the pilot reported on a modified right base to runway 33 for a full stop landing. The engine then failed, and the pilot initiated a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane struck a guide wire when the pilot tried to fly beneath and avoid power lines, and the aircraft subsequently impacted the ground.
Fuel Status
Following the accident, both fuel cells were found to be empty. The pilot stated that four hours and fifty-four minutes of flight time had elapsed since the aircraft was last serviced with fuel. He had estimated that he had two hours of fuel remaining before departing on the hour-long flight. The pilot also stated that he did not usually check his fuel supply prior to departure.