Probable cause
The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate pre-flight planning.
NTSB analysis
During his pre-flight check, the pilot estimated that he had eight gallons of fuel on-board the airplane. He departed with the intention of obtaining fuel but by-passed two nearby airfields with fuel service in favor of an airport in the vicinity of the accident location. Prior to reaching his destination and while in cruise flight, the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot selected a field for a forced landing. During the approach to landing, the airplane struck a fence and a tree before coming to rest upright in the field. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the pilot was not injured. The pilot's operating handbook for the Cessna 182 states there are four gallons of usable fuel on board the aircraft.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA419 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 7, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ballinger, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 182Q
- N-number
- N7589S
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.