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Casualties unknown

Cessna 172M Fuel Exhaustion Incident in Pocatello, Idaho (CFDGH)

Pingree, ID, US

On June 1, 2001, a Cessna 172M (registration CFDGH) operated by Danyluk, Victor was involved in an aviation accident near Pingree, ID. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the 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 2026-09-03Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172M ran out of fuel after 6 hours 51 minutes of flight. The pilot and passenger landed in a field near Pocatello, Idaho, after the engine quit. No fuel was found in the tanks or at the site.

Flight Details and Fuel Management A pilot and passenger departed Edmonton, Canada, in a Cessna 172M with 48 gallons of usable fuel. The initial day of the trip included two stops and ended after 3 hours and 34 minutes of flight. At the stopover, the pilot added 12 gallons of fuel. The following day, the pilot and passenger departed for the next leg of the trip from Great Falls, Montana, to Pocatello, Idaho. The engine quit after not less than 6 hours 51 minutes of operation on a total of 60 gallons of usable fuel. ## Site Examination and Pilot Statement On-site examination revealed no evidence of fuel in either fuel tank or spilled/leaked at the site, and only 4.5 ounces of fuel were retrieved from fuel lines. The landing site was characterized by soft furrows in a field, and the furrows were observed to change direction (from parallel) during the ground roll of the aircraft. The pilot reported in a written statement that he had thoughts of landing at Idaho Falls but decided to fly as flight planned.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jun 2001 Cessna 172M accident near Pingree, ID?

A Cessna 172M ran out of fuel after 6 hours 51 minutes of flight. The pilot and passenger landed in a field near Pocatello, Idaho, after the engine quit. No fuel was found in the tanks or at the site.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jun 2001 involved a Cessna 172M, registration CFDGH, operated by Danyluk, Victor, at Pingree, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the 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/20010608X01131. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.