Overview
On October 4, 2020, at about 1215 central daylight time, a Cessna TR182 airplane, registration N5196S, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Bridgeport, Texas. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 cross-country flight.
Flight History
The airplane departed from Stephenville Clark Regional Airport (SEP) in Stephenville, Texas, and was cruising at 4,500 ft mean sea level en route to Bridgeport Municipal Airport (XBP). When the airplane was approximately 17 nautical miles south of the destination airport, the pilot encountered engine problems followed by a total loss of engine power. The pilot switched from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank but was unable to restore power. He then executed a forced landing to a field, during which the right wing sustained substantial damage.
Fuel Investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector responded to the accident site and was unable to drain any fuel from the fuel tanks. No fuel odor or staining was detected around the airplane. Both left and right fuel gauges indicated empty tanks. The fuel tanks did not appear to be compromised, and no other anomalies with the airplane were discovered that would have precluded normal operation. When a recovery team removed the wings to transport the airplane, no fuel was found in either wing.
Pilot Statements
The pilot and passenger told the FAA inspector that, prior to departure from SEP, the left fuel tank was about half full and the right tank was nearly empty. The pilot stated that he considered purchasing fuel before departure but decided that there would be enough fuel for the planned flight. He also stated that he did not check the fuel quantity visually or with a dipstick before the flight.