Accident Overview
On May 31, 2013, at 0012 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 177B, registration N177FG, was substantially damaged when it impacted a residential structure during a forced landing near Herndon, Virginia. The commercial pilot, a pilot-rated passenger, and one occupant of the structure incurred minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed.
Flight Details
The flight originated from Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about 2140, and was destined for Manassas Regional Airport (HEF), Manassas, Virginia. The aerial observation flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, the purpose was to perform aerial photography in the vicinity of Gaithersburg, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland; and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Pre-Flight Fuel Management
Prior to departing from HEF earlier in the day, the pilot had the fuel tanks topped off with 48 gallons of useable fuel. After flights to Chester County Airport and PNE, the pilot used a fuel quantity test stick and calculated that 15 additional gallons were needed. A fuel receipt showed 10 gallons added to the left tank and 5 to the right. The pilot and passenger departed PNE about 2140.
In-Flight Events
After completing the photography portion, the flight headed toward HEF around 0000. The pilot and passenger discussed fuel indications: the left gauge showed just above empty, the right just above 1/4-tank. They decided adequate fuel remained and continued. At about 0007, the engine experienced a total loss of power. The pilot requested an emergency landing at Dulles International Airport (IAD). The passenger briefly restored power by manipulating mixture and throttle, but it ceased again after 15 seconds. The pilot stated to air traffic control, "We're out of fuel, I think that's our problem." Realizing the airplane could not reach IAD, he prepared for an off-airport landing, which resulted in striking a residential structure.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane about 45 minutes after the accident. Both wing fuel tanks appeared compromised during impact, but no evidence of a fuel leak or fuel odor was observed. A JP Instruments EDM-711 engine monitor recorded 3 hours 22 minutes of earlier flights with 37.6 gallons consumed, and 2 hours 54 minutes on the accident flight with 29.2 gallons consumed. According to the Type Certificate Datasheet, the Cessna 177B has a total fuel capacity of 50 gallons (two 25-gallon tanks) and usable capacity of 49 gallons.