On November 8, 1994, a Cessna 172 (registration N1380F) was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to adequately plan for fuel consumption during weather avoidance maneuvers, which resulted in the exhaustion of usable fuel. 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 encountered weather that prevented climbing to the planned cruise altitude, forcing low-altitude maneuvers for over two hours and leading to fuel exhaustion near the destination.
What happened
Following takeoff, the pilot encountered weather conditions that prevented the aircraft from climbing to the intended cruise altitude. To navigate around the adverse weather, the pilot remained at lower altitudes and performed maneuvering flight patterns for approximately two and a half hours.
During this extended period of low-altitude flight, fuel consumption exceeded initial planning estimates. Despite recognizing the higher-than-expected usage, the pilot elected to continue toward the destination without making an additional refueling stop. The aircraft ultimately exhausted its usable fuel supply while located approximately two miles from the destination airport.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to adequately plan for fuel consumption during weather avoidance maneuvers, which resulted in the exhaustion of usable fuel.
What happened in the 8 Nov 1994 Cessna 172 accident near Lewiston, ID?
A pilot encountered weather that prevented climbing to the planned cruise altitude, forcing low-altitude maneuvers for over two hours and leading to fuel exhaustion near the destination.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Nov 1994 involved a Cessna 172, registration N1380F, at Lewiston, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to adequately plan for fuel consumption during weather avoidance maneuvers, which resulted in the exhaustion of usable fuel.
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