FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Engine Power Loss Due to Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Collision with Tree (N54634)

Arcadia, FL, US

On March 13, 1998, a Cessna 172 (registration N54634) was involved in an aviation accident near Arcadia, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel on board, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. 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.

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

A pilot reported not visually checking fuel during preflight; engine lost power during an eagle nest inspection flight. Emergency landing resulted in collision with an orange tree. No fuel was found in either tank, and no mechanical issues were identified.

Preflight and Flight

The pilot stated that during the preflight inspection, he did not recall making a visual check of the fuel quantity in the fuel tanks. The flight departed en route to inspect eagles' nests for the state game and fish commission.

Loss of Engine Power

As the flight approached a nest for inspection, the engine lost power. Attempts by the pilot to restart the engine failed. The pilot selected an emergency landing area.

Collision

The airplane collided with an orange tree during the approach to land. According to the pilot, the forced landing area was rough and uneven.

Post-Accident Examination

An examination of the airplane at the accident site disclosed that there was no fuel in either fuel tank. The wreckage examination also failed to disclose any obvious mechanical problems with the airplane.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel on board, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 13 Mar 1998 Cessna 172 accident near Arcadia, FL?

A pilot reported not visually checking fuel during preflight; engine lost power during an eagle nest inspection flight. Emergency landing resulted in collision with an orange tree. No fuel was found in either tank, and no mechanical issues were identified.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 13 Mar 1998 involved a Cessna 172, registration N54634, at Arcadia, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel on board, resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09631. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.