Accident Overview
On June 23, 2023, about 0404 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 172K, registration N84385, was substantially damaged in an accident near Marana, Arizona. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
Flight Details
The pilot planned a flight from Inyokern, California (IYK) to Ryan Field Airport (RYN) in Tucson, Arizona. He estimated having "a little more than an hour of fuel remaining" upon arrival and designated Ak-Chin Regional Airport (A39) in Maricopa, Arizona, as a possible fuel stop. The pilot noted that the fuel gauges were unreliable and used a dip stick to measure fuel quantity, reporting 38 gallons on board at departure. Fuel receipts from IYK indicated the airplane was serviced with 31.3 gallons of 100 low lead fuel before departure. ADS-B data showed the flight departed IYK around 0018 and consisted primarily of low altitude maneuvering through hilly terrain, rather than a direct route. The owner of the airplane stated the fuel quantity gauges were not considered grossly unreliable and no previous renters had complained.
Accident Sequence
En route, the pilot deviated from a direct path and arrived at A39 about 0339. Unable to activate the pilot-controlled lighting, he decided to proceed to Marana Regional Airport (AVQ) but changed that plan when the fuel gauges indicated near-empty levels. He then elected to fly to Pinal Airpark (MZJ), which was closer. About five miles from MZJ, the engine lost all power. The last ADS-B data point, captured around 0404, placed the aircraft about 5 miles west of MZJ. The pilot executed a forced landing; upon touchdown, the airplane struck vegetation and nosed over. The pilot exited unassisted.
Post-Accident Examination
The airplane came to rest inverted in a field with bushes approximately ten feet high, sustaining substantial damage to the wing struts and fuselage. An FAA representative examined the aircraft and found no evidence of a fuel leak. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions but suspected a possible fuel leak. After the FAA examination, the owner dismantled the airplane and also found no evidence of a leak.
Toxicology
At the accident scene, law enforcement located a sealed package containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) edibles in the pilot's belongings, which the pilot claimed as his own. A field sobriety test was administered, with no determination of impairment documented. The pilot consented to a blood draw. Toxicological testing detected carboxy-THC, benzoylecgonine, amphetamine, and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).