Accident Overview
A pilot operating a Cessna 175 departed Caldwell, Idaho, with 52 gallons of fuel onboard. According to the aircraft specifications, the usable fuel total was 43 gallons, with 4.5 gallons per tank considered unusable. The pilot flew for 1 hour and 40 minutes to Echo, Oregon, and then departed Echo for the return flight to the origin airport. Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes later, while overhead the destination, the engine lost power.
Fuel Management and Engine Failure
During the return leg, the pilot had selected the left fuel tank to balance the fuel load and left the fuel selector in that position. Upon experiencing the power loss, the pilot attempted no troubleshooting due to insufficient time. Unwilling to risk crossing high trees while trying to reach the end of the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing off the airport.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft rolled through uneven terrain and sustained substantial damage. An FAA inspector examined the fuel tanks and found approximately 1 gallon of fuel in the left tank and approximately 14 gallons of fuel in the right tank. The first item on the Cessna 175 Owner's Manual "Before Landing" checklist states: "Set fuel selector to 'both tanks.'"
Sequence of Events
- Departure from Caldwell, Idaho with 52 gallons fuel.
- Flight to Echo, Oregon lasting 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Return departure from Echo.
- Arrival overhead destination after 1 hour 20 minutes; engine lost power.
- Forced landing off airport resulting in substantial damage.
- FAA inspection finding asymmetrical fuel distribution.