On September 8, 1995, a Cessna 172N (registration N737SP) was involved in an aviation accident near Glennallen, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing. 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.
The pilot and passenger departed with less than full fuel on a cross-country flight. After a weather-related stop, the engine lost power. A forced landing in remote terrain resulted in the airplane coming to rest inverted. No fuel was found in the aircraft, and no mechanical malfunction was identified.
Accident Details
The pilot and passenger departed on a cross-country flight with less than full fuel. The aircraft's fuel capacity was 42 gallons, with 4 gallons designated as unusable. The pilot estimated that 30 to 32 gallons of fuel were on board at departure. The original Lycoming O-320 engine had been replaced with a larger Lycoming O-360 engine. En route, the pilot made an intermediate stop due to poor weather conditions. After departing that stop toward the intended destination, the engine suddenly lost power. Attempts to restore power were unsuccessful. The pilot executed a forced landing into remote and rough terrain, and the airplane came to rest inverted. The total flight time from departure to the forced landing was 2.3 hours. The total flight time since the aircraft was last refueled was 3.5 hours.
Postaccident Examination
Aircraft recovery personnel reported that no fuel was present in the airplane during recovery. A postaccident inspection of the engine and airframe did not reveal any mechanical malfunction of the engine.
What happened in the 8 Sept 1995 Cessna 172N accident near Glennallen, AK?
The pilot and passenger departed with less than full fuel on a cross-country flight. After a weather-related stop, the engine lost power. A forced landing in remote terrain resulted in the airplane coming to rest inverted. No fuel was found in the aircraft, and no mechanical malfunction was identified.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 8 Sept 1995 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737SP, at Glennallen, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Improper planning/decision by the pilot, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. A factor relating to the accident was: the lack of suitable terrain for an emergency landing.
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