Casualties unknown

2004-09-26: Cessna 177 (N29650) — Anderson, SC

Anderson, SC, US

On September 26, 2004, a Cessna 177 (registration N29650) was involved in an aviation accident near Anderson, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight and his improper in-flight decision, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. 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 reported fuel exhaustion after failing to verify fuel levels before departure. The engine quit near the airport, leading to an emergency landing on a road, where the left wing struck a fence.

Departure and Fuel Assumption

The pilot reported departing at 1600 central daylight time, stating that he "assumed I had five hours of fuel at departure." He did not visually check the fuel quantity in the tanks.

In-Flight Fuel Indications

During the flight, the pilot observed that "the fuel gauges read lower than they should." Despite this, he continued the flight without stopping to add fuel.

Engine Failure and Emergency Landing

The aircraft was at an altitude of 6,000 feet and approximately four to five miles from the airport when the engine stopped. The pilot identified a road suitable for an emergency landing. During the landing roll, the left wing of the airplane contacted a fence, causing the aircraft to veer left and into the fence.

Post-Accident Observations

Emergency response personnel who arrived at the scene reported that no fuel was found in the airplane's fuel tanks. A review of 911 records indicated that the accident was reported by callers at 2155 eastern daylight time.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041014X01626. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.