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Casualties unknown

Loss of Engine Power After Inadequate Preflight Fuel Check (N2446U)

Lampasas, TX, US

On July 2, 1993, a Cessna 172D (registration N2446U) operated by Bowden, Glenna F. was involved in an aviation accident near Lampasas, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FUEL EXHAUSTION ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power five minutes into a flight after deciding not to refuel following three hours of previous flying. The pilot executed a forced landing into the wind in a small clearing surrounded by trees.

Overview

A pilot planned a short local flight in an airplane, knowing that he had not refueled since his last two flights, which totaled approximately three hours of operation. Approximately five minutes after departure, the engine lost power.

Forced Landing

Surface winds were reported at 13 knots. The pilot chose to perform a forced landing into the wind, selecting a small clearing surrounded by trees as the landing site.

Preflight Actions

The pilot's preflight inspection was limited to checking the fuel gauges on the airplane. No other preflight actions were documented.

Investigation

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, operator, location, date, or time of day. No details were provided regarding occupants, injuries, or damage sustained during the event.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2 Jul 1993 Cessna 172D accident near Lampasas, TX?

A pilot experienced a loss of engine power five minutes into a flight after deciding not to refuel following three hours of previous flying. The pilot executed a forced landing into the wind in a small clearing surrounded by trees.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 172D, registration N2446U, operated by Bowden, Glenna F., at Lampasas, TX.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FUEL EXHAUSTION ENGINE POWER LOSS DUE TO AN INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PREPARATION. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12910. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.