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Engine Power Loss Leads to Collision with Power Lines and Ground (N4874G)

Columbia, SC, US

On November 3, 2004, a Cessna 172N (registration N4874G) was involved in an aviation accident near Columbia, SC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot declared an emergency 17 miles northeast of Columbia Metropolitan Airport after losing engine power. The aircraft struck power lines and the ground. Investigation revealed no fuel in the wing tanks, with only trace amounts in the fuel system.

Incident Overview

A pilot declared a "mayday" 17 miles northeast of Columbia Metropolitan Airport while at an altitude of 4,500 feet. The pilot reported that the engine had lost power and stated an intention to land in a parking lot. Subsequently, the aircraft collided with power lines and the ground.

Fuel System Examination

A post-accident examination of the fuel system revealed no fuel in either wing fuel tank. Trace amounts of fuel were found in the fuel strainer and in the fuel line from the fuel strainer to the carburetor. A functional check of the engine was performed, and it produced power at idle and at 1,000 RPM.

Fuel History

The aircraft was last topped off with fuel on October 31, 2004. Since that refueling, the aircraft had flown 4.1 hours. On the day of the accident, the pilot completed a total of three takeoffs on the same fuel load. At 75% engine power, the aircraft has an endurance of 3.9 hours.

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Related events

Same aircraft family

All Cessna 172 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 3 Nov 2004 Cessna 172N accident near Columbia, SC?

A pilot declared an emergency 17 miles northeast of Columbia Metropolitan Airport after losing engine power. The aircraft struck power lines and the ground. Investigation revealed no fuel in the wing tanks, with only trace amounts in the fuel system.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 3 Nov 2004 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4874G, at Columbia, SC.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning of fuel required for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent 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/20041203X01913. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.