On May 16, 1992, a Cessna 152 (registration N4867H) operated by Volunteer Flight Training was involved in an aviation accident near Manchester, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity and plan for the diversion, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during the search for the airport. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot flying from Orlando, Florida, diverted to Pine Mountain, Georgia, but could not locate the airport. After searching for thirty minutes, the aircraft ran out of fuel and was forced into an emergency landing.
What happened
The flight departed Orlando, Florida, around 1200 EDT with the intention of reaching a specific destination. During the journey, the pilot made the decision to bypass the original airport and continue toward Pine Mountain, Georgia. Upon arriving in the Pine Mountain area, the crew was unable to visually locate the intended airfield.
The passenger reported that the aircraft circled the vicinity for approximately thirty minutes while searching for the airport. Due to the extended search time, the aircraft experienced fuel exhaustion. Consequently, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing at approximately 1530 EDT.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity and plan for the diversion, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during the search for the airport.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 May 1992 Cessna 152 accident near Manchester, GA?
A pilot flying from Orlando, Florida, diverted to Pine Mountain, Georgia, but could not locate the airport. After searching for thirty minutes, the aircraft ran out of fuel and was forced into an emergency landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 May 1992 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4867H, operated by Volunteer Flight Training, at Manchester, GA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to monitor fuel quantity and plan for the diversion, which resulted in fuel exhaustion during the search for the airport.