On July 6, 2006, a Cessna 182A (registration N4780D) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper preflight planning which led to the exhaustion of the fuel supply during the flight. The overload failure of the nose landing gear was a factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made a forced landing on grass near an exit ramp after engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The nose landing gear broke off during the landing. The pilot did not visually check fuel quantity before the flight.
Accident Overview
The aircraft sustained damage during a forced landing to a road after experiencing a loss of engine power. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no useable fuel remaining in the airplane.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that he had amended his route of flight to land at a nearby airport for fuel. Shortly after receiving a landing clearance, the engine lost power. Realizing he would not be able to reach the airport, the pilot elected to land on a road. During the landing approach, he saw a road sign he did not think he could clear and chose to land on the grass adjacent to an exit ramp. The nose landing gear broke off during the landing.
Examination Findings
An interview with the pilot by the FAA inspector revealed that the pilot did not visually check the fuel quantity prior to the flight. The airplane's fuel system was found empty, consistent with fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 6 Jul 2006 Cessna 182A accident near Jackson, MI?
A pilot made a forced landing on grass near an exit ramp after engine power loss due to fuel exhaustion. The nose landing gear broke off during the landing. The pilot did not visually check fuel quantity before the flight.
Were there any fatalities in the 6 Jul 2006 Cessna 182A accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jul 2006 involved a Cessna 182A, registration N4780D, at Jackson, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's improper preflight planning which led to the exhaustion of the fuel supply during the flight. The overload failure of the nose landing gear was a factor.
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