Casualties unknown

Pilot Reports Fuel Exhaustion After Requesting 10 Gallons (N4328L)

Corona, CA, US

On September 11, 1994, a Cessna 172G (registration N4328L) operated by Pdz Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Corona, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE ROUGH TERRAIN WERE FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT. 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

In a post-accident interview, the pilot stated the airplane ran out of fuel. He had requested 10 gallons before departure but did not visually verify fuel levels.

Accident Overview

In a telephone interview following the accident, the pilot reported that the airplane had run out of fuel. According to the pilot, before departure he asked the fixed base operator to add 10 gallons of gasoline to the fuel tanks. After refueling, the right fuel gauge showed a full tank, while the left fuel gauge indicated three-quarters full. The pilot noted that he did not visually inspect the fuel level in either tank prior to takeoff. Additionally, the pilot observed minor fuel stains on the left wing fuel tank sump drain. No further details were provided regarding the flight or the circumstances of the fuel exhaustion.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1994 Cessna 172G accident near Corona, CA?

In a post-accident interview, the pilot stated the airplane ran out of fuel. He had requested 10 gallons before departure but did not visually verify fuel levels.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4328L, operated by Pdz Aviation, at Corona, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOT'S POOR PREFLIGHT PLANNING/PREPARATION AND FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS. FUEL EXHAUSTION AND THE ROUGH TERRAIN WERE FACTORS IN THIS ACCIDENT.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02286. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.