On October 22, 1992, a Cessna 195B (registration N4384N) operated by George W Gardner was involved in an aviation accident near Great Barrington, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT BY THE PILOT ENSURING FUEL CAP SECURITY. A FACTOR IN THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOTS COMPLACENCY IN FUEL MANAGEMENT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot departed with six hours of fuel. After the passenger noted a low fuel gauge reading, the pilot rejected the concern. Fuel exhaustion occurred 2 hours 50 minutes into the flight, leading to a forced landing during which the airplane struck a tree. Post-accident inspection revealed wet fuel stains and previous fuel siphoning from the right wing cap.
Departure and Fuel Planning
The pilot departed with fuel sufficient for six hours of flying. No other details about the departure or preflight preparation are available.
In-Flight Fuel Discussion
During cruise flight, the passenger discussed a possible low fuel condition with the pilot. The fuel quantity gauge indicated only one quarter full. The pilot rejected the possibility of low fuel.
Fuel Exhaustion and Forced Landing
Fuel exhaustion occurred 2 hours and 50 minutes into the flight. The pilot executed a forced landing to an open field. During the landing, the airplane struck a tree and impacted the ground.
Post-Accident Investigation
An FAA inspector conducted a post-accident investigation. The inspection revealed wet fuel stains along the right wing and fuselage of the airplane. The pilot and passenger recalled that fuel siphoning from the right wing cap had occurred on previous flights.