Incident Overview
On March 27, 2010, at approximately 1450 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172G, registration N5880R, collided with power lines about 2 miles east of the Anacortes Airport in Anacortes, Washington. The airplane was operated as a rental by a private pilot under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The pilot sustained serious injuries, and the aircraft incurred substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight had originated from Anacortes about 1430.
Response and Initial Findings
The local sheriff reported to the Safety Board investigator that upon arrival, the airplane was found inverted on the ground, with evidence that it had clipped power lines before impacting terrain. The pilot suffered a head injury and was transported to a hospital. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the fuel system and found no fuel aboard the aircraft. According to the aircraft logsheet, the pilot signed out the airplane with a tachometer reading of 1,220.12 hours; the tach at the accident scene read 1,220.8 hours, indicating approximately 40 minutes of engine operation.
Preceding Events and Pilot Actions
The previous day, March 26, the airplane had been rented by another pilot who flew from Anacortes to Roche Harbor, Washington, and back. He reported that before departing Anacortes, the fuel tanks each contained about 9 gallons. He did not refuel, knowing he had enough for the round trip but that the aircraft would require fuel afterward. On March 27, the accident pilot checked out the airplane for a rental period from 1400 to 1600. Personnel at Land and Sea Aircraft Sales and Leasing asked if he wanted fuel, and he declined, stating, "No, I'll be ok." Witnesses saw the pilot on a step stool looking into the fuel tanks during his preflight inspection.
Pilot Statement and Flight Details
The pilot later told an FAA inspector that he checked the fuel level with a dipstick and observed approximately one-quarter tank of fuel in each wing. He flew east to Skagit Bay View Airport, performed two touch-and-go landings, then flew around Mount Erie before heading west back to Anacortes. While en route to Anacortes, the engine experienced a loss of power. Prior to this event, the engine had been operating normally.