25 Oct 2013: CESSNA 172M M — HERNANDEZ CESAR

25 Oct 2013: CESSNA 172M M — HERNANDEZ CESAR

No fatalities • Raymondville, TX, United States

Probable cause

The operation of an airplane by a non-certificated pilot. Contributing to the accident was his failure to maintain airspeed following a total loss of engine power at low altitude, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. Also contributing was the pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The non-certificated pilot said he flew his unregistered airplane for about 2 hours "recreationally" before attempting to land at a privately owned airport, where he said the airplane was scheduled to have an annual inspection completed. The pilot said a gust of wind blew the airplane off course while on final approach and he attempted to go-around. The airplane then stalled and impacted a field short of the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the firewall and empennage. Though the pilot did not report an engine failure, examination of the airplane revealed both fuel tanks were empty and damage to the propeller was consistent with it not turning at the time of impact. The pilot reported there were no mechanical deficiencies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane and engine. The pilot did not have a valid Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical and had a reported history of a stroke. The pilot's daughter also reported that her father was starting to show symptoms of Sundowner's Syndrome.

Contributing factors

  • cause Pilot
  • factor Pilot
  • factor Engine (reciprocating) — Failure
  • factor Fluid management

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 100/08kt, vis 10sm

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