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Student Pilot Runs Out of Fuel During Cross-Country Solo Flight (N4594B)

Gila Bend, AZ, US

On July 12, 1997, a Cessna 152 (registration N4594B) was involved in an aviation accident near Gila Bend, AZ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to verify the fuel quantity prior to departure, and his failure to perform sufficient en route fuel consumption calculations during the cross-country flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot's cross-country solo flight ended in an emergency landing after fuel exhaustion. The pilot relied on the instructor's assurance of sufficient fuel and did not perform calculations or visual checks.

Accident Overview

A student pilot on his third cross-country solo flight experienced fuel exhaustion before reaching his second destination. The pilot had relied on his flight instructor's statement that there would be enough fuel for the entire flight. He did not conduct any fuel consumption calculations during the journey, nor did he visually inspect the fuel quantity after landing at an intermediate stop.

Flight Details

According to the student pilot, he took off for the solo flight based on the instructor's word regarding fuel sufficiency. No en-route fuel calculations were performed, and no visual check of fuel levels was made at the intermediate destination. The airplane subsequently ran out of fuel before reaching the intended second destination.

Emergency Landing

After the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion, the pilot attempted an emergency landing. During this landing, the airplane collided with trees and sustained damage.

Probable Cause

The investigation source does not explicitly state a probable cause for this accident.

Related events

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 12 Jul 1997 Cessna 152 accident near Gila Bend, AZ?

A student pilot's cross-country solo flight ended in an emergency landing after fuel exhaustion. The pilot relied on the instructor's assurance of sufficient fuel and did not perform calculations or visual checks.

Were there any fatalities in the 12 Jul 1997 Cessna 152 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 12 Jul 1997 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4594B, at Gila Bend, AZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to verify the fuel quantity prior to departure, and his failure to perform sufficient en route fuel consumption calculations during the cross-country flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08428. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.