Casualties unknown

1999-08-09: Cessna 177 (N29317) — Austin, TX

Austin, TX, US

On August 9, 1999, a Cessna 177 (registration N29317) was involved in an aviation accident near Austin, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion leading to total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot performed a forced landing to a field after the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion during the second flight of the day.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted a forced landing to a field after the airplane's engine lost all power due to fuel exhaustion. The event occurred during the second flight of the day.

Preflight and First Flight

Before the first flight, the pilot confirmed that both wing fuel tanks were full. He observed fuel leaking from the overflow vent of the left wing tank and felt fuel with his fingers in the right wing fuel tank. The first flight lasted approximately 1.9 hours.

Second Flight

Prior to the second flight, the pilot did not visually check the fuel level in the tanks. However, the cockpit fuel quantity indicators showed 1/2. The second flight also lasted about 1.9 hours, at which point the engine lost total power.

Forced Landing

The pilot executed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the airplane contacted a tree and then came to a stop in an upright position.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of fuel."

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion leading to total loss of engine power.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X19536. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.