Cessna 172 N7871U

Summary

On 5 October 2019 at about 00:30 local time, a Cessna 172 registered N7871U was involved in an accident near Kaplan, Louisiana, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

5 October 2019 at 00:30

Classification

Accident

Location

Kaplan, Louisiana, United States

Coordinates

29.9372, -92.3197

Aircraft

Cessna 172

Registration

N7871U

Category

Airplane

Year built

1964

Engines

1

Operator

Not recorded

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Houston → New Iberia

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Night/Dark

NTSB number

GAA20CA006

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation, a total loss of engine power, and impact with a pole during an off-airport landing. 

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, at departure, the airplane had 39 gallons of fuel and that, about 1 hour 40 minutes after departure, the engine lost power. He adjusted the fuel mixture and throttle to no avail. While he was maneuvering for an off-airport landing, the left wing impacted a pole. The airplane then rotated counterclockwise and impacted an open field, and the nose landing gear broke off. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine mount, fuselage, and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The sheriff's deputy who responded to the accident reported that he saw fuel pouring out of the left wing. The Federal Aviation Administrator inspector who examined the airplane reported that the fuel selector lever was positioned to the right tank. The right wing tank contained between about 8 and 10 ounces of fuel with no visible signs of leakage. The wing-to-fuselage lower trim panel was removed, and the vent line and fuel supply lines were intact and secured. The left wing tank contained about 4.5 gallons. Fuel seepage stains were seen on the forward part of the pilot door. The inspector added that the overall engine condition was good.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.