On December 26, 1992, a Cessna 177 (registration N2325Y) operated by Pettygrove, Jay J. was involved in an aviation accident near Bowling Green, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE INFLIGHT PLANNING AND DECISION WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Four hours into a flight, the pilot diverted due to fuel gauge reading 1/4. While landing, the engine lost power, and the pilot landed in a field short of the runway. FAA found no fuel in the tanks.
Incident Overview
Approximately four hours into a flight from Greenwood, Illinois, to Nashville, Tennessee, the pilot observed the airplane's fuel gauges indicating that the tanks contained one-quarter of fuel remaining. The pilot decided to divert to Bowling Green, Kentucky, to refuel.
While on the downwind leg for landing at the Bowling Green airport, the airplane's engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot chose to land in a field located about one-quarter of a mile short of the runway.
Post-Incident Examination
After the landing, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the wreckage and found no fuel in the airplane's tanks.