Cessna 182 Forced Landing After Fuel Exhaustion

Incident Overview and Fuel Estimation During the pre-flight inspection, the pilot estimated that the Cessna 182 contained eight gallons of fuel. The aircraft's operating handbook specifies that only four gallons of fuel are usable on board. The pilot departed with the intention of refueling but bypassed two nearby airfields that offered fuel service, choosing instead to proceed to an airport near the accident location. While in cruise flight and before reaching the destination, the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot then selected a field for a forced landing. During the approach, the airplane struck a fence and a tree before coming to rest upright in the field. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and the pilot was not injured.