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Fuel Exhaustion Leads to Engine Failure and Collision During Forced Landing (N46115)

Suffolk, VA, US

On February 25, 2001, a Cessna 172I (registration N46115) was involved in an aviation accident near Suffolk, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fuel exhaustion resulting in 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported fuel exhaustion during a cross-country flight, resulting in engine power loss. The subsequent forced landing to a road involved colliding with a vehicle and a stop sign.

Incident Summary

After a four-hour cross-country flight, approximately five miles north-northwest of the destination airport, the pilot reported that the airplane "ran out of gas" and experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a forced landing onto a road. During the landing, the airplane struck a vehicle and a stop sign.

Pilot Account and Background

The pilot stated that he encountered stronger headwinds than forecast, but believed sufficient fuel remained to reach the destination. The pilot held a private pilot certificate issued in December 2000 and had accumulated about 100 hours of total flight experience.

Examination Findings

Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that both the left and right fuel tanks were empty, confirming fuel exhaustion.

Probable cause

Fuel exhaustion resulting in loss of engine power.
Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Feb 2001 Cessna 172I accident near Suffolk, VA?

A pilot reported fuel exhaustion during a cross-country flight, resulting in engine power loss. The subsequent forced landing to a road involved colliding with a vehicle and a stop sign.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Feb 2001 Cessna 172I accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Feb 2001 involved a Cessna 172I, registration N46115, at Suffolk, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Fuel exhaustion resulting in 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/20010306X00547. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.