Pilot's Preflight Fuel Planning
During a telephone conversation, the pilot stated that prior to departure he measured four inches of fuel on his fuel stick, which, according to his fuel reference chart, corresponded to eight gallons. He planned a flight duration of thirty minutes.
The Incident
At the time of the accident, the pilot estimated having thirty minutes or four gallons of fuel remaining. While being cleared for landing, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. During the subsequent forced landing, the airplane struck a telephone pole, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. The wing spar and ribs were bent.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of both fuel tanks conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration revealed less than a quart of fuel. No mechanical anomalies were found during the examination of the airplane. According to the fuel consumption charts in the pilot operating handbook for a Cessna 177, the flight as planned would have required between six and eight gallons of fuel. The handbook also specifies that one gallon of fuel in this airplane is unusable.