On November 28, 1992, a Cessna 172N (registration N28ER) operated by Mccutchen, Hurcel N. was involved in an aviation accident near Tryon, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE PILOTS IMPROPER SELECTION OF THE OFF POSITION ON THE FUEL SELECTOR. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot experienced engine roughness during climb, applied carburetor heat, then lost all power after moving the fuel selector to OFF. During landing, the nose gear struck a tie and the airplane nosed over.
Event Overview
A pilot initiated a takeoff with the fuel selector positioned on the left tank. The amount of fuel in that tank was an unknown minimum. During the climb-out phase, the engine began running rough. The pilot applied carburetor heat in response. Subsequently, when the pilot moved the fuel selector switch to the 'OFF' position, a total loss of engine power occurred.
Landing and Impact
During the subsequent landing roll, the airplane's nose gear struck a railroad tie. The impact caused the airplane to nosed over. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the aircraft reported finding no anomalies or malfunctions.
Investigation Findings
No mechanical issues were discovered by the FAA inspector. The sequence of events indicates that the pilot's action of switching the fuel selector to the 'OFF' position directly led to the loss of power. No other contributing factors were identified in the source material.
What happened in the 28 Nov 1992 Cessna 172N accident near Tryon, OK?
A pilot experienced engine roughness during climb, applied carburetor heat, then lost all power after moving the fuel selector to OFF. During landing, the nose gear struck a tie and the airplane nosed over.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Nov 1992 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N28ER, operated by Mccutchen, Hurcel N., at Tryon, OK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL STARVATION AND THE PILOTS IMPROPER SELECTION OF THE OFF POSITION ON THE FUEL SELECTOR. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…