Event
On October 10, 2010, about 1855 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172N, registration N738GN, experienced a loss of engine power during cruise flight. The pilot executed a forced landing in the playground of Robert Grey Middle School, approximately 7 miles southwest of Portland International Airport (PDX), Portland, Oregon. The aircraft was operated by Snohomish Flying Services under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal cross-country flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and an instrument flight rules flight plan had been filed. The commercial pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured.
Flight Details
The flight departed Harvey Field Airport (S43) in Snohomish, Washington, at an unknown time, destined for PDX. Before departure, the pilot checked fuel quantity by looking inside the fuel tanks, noting that the tanks "appear[ed] full, but that the fuel was not spilling out like it sometimes does." The pilot did not recall the exact distance from the fuel to the fuel cap.
After departure, the pilot flew northwest 36 miles (about 19 minutes) to Skagit Regional Airport in Burlington, Washington, for a stop and go. Then, climbing to 9,000 feet, the pilot proceeded south 263 miles (about 2 hours 17 minutes) to Mahlon Sweet Field Airport in Eugene, Oregon. After landing and taxiing back to the runway, the pilot prepared for the final leg to PDX. Upon departing Eugene, the pilot estimated 13 gallons of fuel remained for the 92-mile (about 48 minutes) flight. Approximately 7 miles southwest of PDX, the engine lost power. The pilot attempted to restart the engine several times, briefly regaining power before it was lost again, leading to the forced landing into the school yard.
Post-accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the engine and airframe after the accident. The examination revealed no fuel in the right wing tank, approximately 1 gallon of fuel in the left wing tank, and about 1 ounce of fuel in the fuel line leading to the engine. No breaches in the fuel system were found.
Aircraft Specifications
The Cessna Skyhawk 172N Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) states that the airplane’s unusable fuel level is 1.5 gallons. The total distance for the flight was about 391 miles. Without factoring in winds, delays, and ground time, the flight had an estimated total time of 3 hours 24 minutes. According to the POH, at about 9,000 feet with a leaned mixture, the airplane burns about 7.5 gallons per hour. The POH also notes that at 8,000 feet, with standard fuel tanks, 75% power, and no wind, the airplane has a maximum range of 485 miles and endurance of 4.1 hours.