On November 26, 1991, a Cessna 182H (registration N1986X) operated by Snoopy's Flight School was involved in an aviation accident near Tucson, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, HER FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY WAS ONBOARD AND HER DECISION NOT TO REFUEL THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot's visual fuel estimate and inoperative fuel gauge led to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an engine failure and forced landing in desert terrain east of Tucson Airport.
Preflight and Departure
Prior to departure from El Paso, the pilot visually inspected each fuel tank and estimated they were two-thirds full. She did not physically measure the fuel quantity. The left fuel gauge was known by the pilot to be inoperative.
In-flight Event
On a two-mile final approach to Tucson, the engine began to sputter. The pilot switched fuel tanks, after which the engine quit. The aircraft subsequently collided with rough terrain during a forced landing attempt in a desert area east of the Tucson Airport.
Post-accident Examination
FAA inspectors examined the aircraft. The left fuel tank was completely dry, and the right tank contained only residual fuel. Fuel system continuity was established. The FAA inspectors reported that the operator knew about the inoperative fuel gauge prior to this flight but did not repair it during the last maintenance period. An operative fuel quantity indicating system is required by regulation for flight.
What happened in the 26 Nov 1991 Cessna 182H accident near Tucson, AZ?
A pilot's visual fuel estimate and inoperative fuel gauge led to fuel exhaustion, resulting in an engine failure and forced landing in desert terrain east of Tucson Airport.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Nov 1991 involved a Cessna 182H, registration N1986X, operated by Snoopy's Flight School, at Tucson, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION, HER FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY WAS ONBOARD AND HER DECISION NOT TO REFUEL THE AIRCRAFT PRIOR TO DEPARTURE. FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT WERE: 1) THE INOPERATIVE LEFT FUEL GAGE; 2) THE FAILURE OF THE OPERATOR MANAGEMENT TO ADEQUATELY…
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