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Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Forced Landing and Power Line Contact (N737JP)

Hot Springs, AR, US

On August 8, 1999, a Cessna 172N (registration N737JP) operated by Jim Jamison was involved in an aviation accident near Hot Springs, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced 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.

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

A pilot reported fuel gauges indicating empty during cruise at 3,000 feet. The engine lost power 3 miles from the airport, leading to a forced landing where the airplane struck a power line and came to rest nose down.

Incident Details

The pilot was operating the airplane in cruise flight at an altitude of 3,000 feet above ground level when the fuel gauges displayed an 'EMPTY' indication. Approximately 3 miles from the intended airport, the engine began to sputter and subsequently lost all power.

Forced Landing

During the ensuing forced landing to an open field, the airplane made contact with a power line. After the collision, the aircraft came to rest in a nose-down attitude within the field.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airplane had run out of fuel. This statement was consistent with the circumstances leading to the loss of engine power.

Examination

An examination of the aircraft by an inspector revealed no fuel present in either of the two wing fuel tanks. Additionally, there was no evidence of fuel spillage at the accident site, supporting the conclusion that fuel exhaustion occurred.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Aug 1999 Cessna 172N accident near Hot Springs, AR?

A pilot reported fuel gauges indicating empty during cruise at 3,000 feet. The engine lost power 3 miles from the airport, leading to a forced landing where the airplane struck a power line and came to rest nose down.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Aug 1999 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N737JP, operated by Jim Jamison, at Hot Springs, AR.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19508. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.