On August 16, 1995, a Cessna 172 (registration N6146E) was involved in an aviation accident near Wheeling, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot and an inadverent stall encountered by the pilot. 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.
An airplane stalled on final approach at about 80 feet, colliding with trees during an uncontrolled descent. The pilot reported engine roughness and fuel exhaustion; tanks were empty.
Incident Overview
A flight instructor observed an airplane behaving erratically on final approach, describing it as "wallowing around." The airplane stalled when approximately 80 feet above the ground, then entered an uncontrolled descent and collided with trees. The witness noted that the propeller was not rotating and the flaps were extended to 20 degrees.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that the engine ran rough for a few moments during final approach and stopped when he applied carburetor heat. He stated that he had flown about 4 hours and 5 minutes after departing with full fuel tanks.
Post-Accident Inspection
Examination of the airplane revealed that the fuel tanks were empty. No fuel was found on the ground surrounding the wreckage. The airplane's endurance with full fuel ranges between 3.9 and 4.4 hours, depending on mixture setting.
What happened in the 16 Aug 1995 Cessna 172 accident near Wheeling, IL?
An airplane stalled on final approach at about 80 feet, colliding with trees during an uncontrolled descent. The pilot reported engine roughness and fuel exhaustion; tanks were empty.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 172, registration N6146E, at Wheeling, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
inadequate preflight planning and preparation by the pilot and an inadverent stall encountered by the pilot.
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