On December 31, 2005, a Cessna 182A (registration N4755D) was involved in an aviation accident near Hobbs, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing with substantial aircraft damage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft sustained substantial damage after its landing gear became entangled in a power line during an emergency descent caused by fuel exhaustion, resulting in serious injuries to both occupants.
What happened
The pilot reported that the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion while on final approach to the airport. During the subsequent emergency descent, the landing gear became entangled with an overhead power line. The aircraft then impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.
Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane's systems revealed no mechanical anomalies that would have contributed to the event. The primary cause was determined to be the depletion of fuel during flight operations.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing with substantial aircraft damage.
What happened in the 31 Dec 2005 Cessna 182A accident near Hobbs, NM?
An aircraft sustained substantial damage after its landing gear became entangled in a power line during an emergency descent caused by fuel exhaustion, resulting in serious injuries to both occupants.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Dec 2005 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N4755D, at Hobbs, NM.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel supply for the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent forced landing with substantial aircraft damage.
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