On July 23, 1993, a Cessna 172N (registration N733XS) operated by Kansas Air Center, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Long Grove, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. RELATED FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INADEQUATE CERTIFICATION/APPROVAL OF THE STC BY THE FAA, INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE DATA, AND UNAVAILABLE FUEL CONSUMPTION INFORMATION. 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.
Aircraft engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion after a flight longer than planned fuel endurance; forced landing resulted in collision with power lines and inverted resting position.
Accident Description
Approximately 7 miles from the destination airport, after 3 hours and 51 minutes of flight, the engine lost power. The airplane collided with power lines during the subsequent forced landing and came to rest inverted in a corn field.
Flight Planning and Fuel
A computer flight planning program printout found in the wreckage indicated an estimated en route time of 3.5 hours and a total range of 4.7 hours. The pilots deviated from the planned route due to severe thunderstorm activity in the area. Postaccident examination revealed no evidence of usable fuel in the fuel system. The computer program's fuel consumption data pertained to a 160 hp engine and showed a fuel consumption rate of 8.8 gallons per hour. The Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for a Cessna 172Q (equipped with a 180 hp engine) indicates that a fuel consumption rate of 10.0 gallons per hour is more realistic.
Engine and Performance
The airplane was equipped with a 180 hp engine, whereas the original equipment was a 160 hp engine, in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA703GL. The STC documentation stated there was 'no change' to the performance section of the airplane flight manual. There was no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction.
What happened in the 23 Jul 1993 Cessna 172N accident near Long Grove, IL?
Aircraft engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion after a flight longer than planned fuel endurance; forced landing resulted in collision with power lines and inverted resting position.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jul 1993 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N733XS, operated by Kansas Air Center, Inc., at Long Grove, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. RELATED FACTORS TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: INADEQUATE CERTIFICATION/APPROVAL OF THE STC BY THE FAA, INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE DATA, AND UNAVAILABLE FUEL CONSUMPTION INFORMATION.
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