On 5 Aug 2018, a Cessna 185 Undesignat was involved in an aviation accident near Lovelock, NV. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported fuel exhaustion during cruise, resulting in a forced landing where the left main landing gear struck a berm, causing substantial wing damage.
Circumstances
During cruise flight, the pilot descended the airplane due to stronger winds. After determining that the airplane had about 10.9 gallons of fuel remaining—which he equated to approximately one hour of flight—the pilot continued toward the destination. Approximately six miles from the destination airport, the airplane ran out of gas and the engine lost power.
Forced Landing
The pilot performed a forced landing on a field. During the landing flare, the left main landing gear impacted a berm near the edge of the field.
Damage
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.