Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported the engine lost power as he descended to enter the traffic pattern for landing. His efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he executed a forced landing to an open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination revealed no fuel in either fuel tank; however, fuel was present in the fuel lines. The engine was started at the accident site, and it ran for 45 seconds before it shut down. Temporary repairs were made to the right wing, fuel was added to the fuel tanks, and the airplane was ferried to an airport for further repairs. The engine operated normally during the flight.
Based on the available information, it is likely that the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Dec 29, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Cypress, Texas
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172H
- N-number
- N3702R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.