On April 30, 2001, a Cessna 172N (registration N6388F) was involved in an aviation accident near Marfa, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion resulting in a total loss of engine power in cruise flight due to the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the dark night condition. 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.
A pilot on a dark night IFR cross-country flight reported low fuel, attempted to refuel at en route airports, then experienced engine power loss, resulting in a forced landing that struck plants before coming to rest upright on a mesa.
Flight and Fuel Concerns
A pilot departed on an instrument flight rules (IFR) cross-country flight during dark night conditions. While en route, the pilot informed the Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) that fuel was running low. Subsequently, the pilot landed at an en route airport with the intent to refuel.
Attempt to Refuel
After landing, the pilot departed the airport and reported to the ARTCC that fuel was not obtainable at that location. The pilot then decided to continue to another en route airport to refuel.
Engine Power Loss and Forced Landing
Before reaching the second airport, the engine lost power. The pilot initiated a forced landing. During the landing, the airplane struck several plants before coming to rest upright on a small mesa.
What happened in the 30 Apr 2001 Cessna 172N accident near Marfa, TX?
A pilot on a dark night IFR cross-country flight reported low fuel, attempted to refuel at en route airports, then experienced engine power loss, resulting in a forced landing that struck plants before coming to rest upright on a mesa.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Apr 2001 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N6388F, at Marfa, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
fuel exhaustion resulting in a total loss of engine power in cruise flight due to the pilot's failure to refuel the aircraft. Contributing factors were the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing, and the dark night condition.
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