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Engine Power Loss Leads to Forced Landing in Cessna 172G (N4444L)

Collins, MO, US

On March 22, 2006, a Cessna 172G (registration N4444L) was involved in an aviation accident near Collins, MO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations that resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the loss of engine power during cruise flight. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172G made a forced landing in a grass field after engine power loss during cruise. The tail struck a fencepost and barbed wire. Post-accident inspection found both fuel tanks empty; the pilot had reported erratic fuel gauges.

Accident Overview

A Cessna 172G aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight, necessitating a forced landing in a grass field. During the landing, the airplane's tail section impacted a fencepost and barbed-wire fencing.

Pilot's Report

The pilot reported that prior to departure, the aircraft had 34 gallons of fuel (31 gallons usable). After the accident, the pilot visually confirmed that both fuel tanks were empty. The elapsed time between the first ATC communication and the pilot's report of engine power loss was 3 hours and 57 minutes.

Fuel Consumption Data

According to the Cessna 172G owner's manual, the published fuel consumption rate at 7,500 feet MSL and 70% brake horsepower (bhp) is 7.8 gallons per hour. The pilot stated that his preflight planning assumed a fuel consumption rate of 6.1 gallons per hour, based on 7,000 feet MSL and 2,300 engine rpm (52% bhp).

Fuel Gauge Anomaly

The pilot informed a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the fuel quantity gauges had become "erratic" during the accident flight, and that he considered them "unreliable."

Fuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 22 Mar 2006 Cessna 172G accident near Collins, MO?

A Cessna 172G made a forced landing in a grass field after engine power loss during cruise. The tail struck a fencepost and barbed wire. Post-accident inspection found both fuel tanks empty; the pilot had reported erratic fuel gauges.

Were there any fatalities in the 22 Mar 2006 Cessna 172G accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 22 Mar 2006 involved a Cessna 172G, registration N4444L, at Collins, MO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations that resulted in fuel exhaustion, and the loss of engine power during cruise flight. An additional cause was the pilot's improper in-flight decision to continue when he believed his fuel gauges were erratic and unreliable.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20060519X00592. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.