Cessna 172G N1374F accident near Neola, Iowa

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane was full of fuel before he departed for the cross-country flight. After flying for about 2 hours and 50 minutes, with a significant headwind, he decided to divert to an airport to refuel. During his attempt to refuel, it was discovered that the fuel pumps were out of order, and he did not see the active notice to airmen (NOTAM) for the out of order fuel pumps. The pilot calculated the fuel remaining in the airplane and departed for his destination. After flying for about 40 minutes, the engine lost power and he executed a forced landing on a road about 12 miles from the destination airport. During the landing, the airplane impacted a swale and nosed over adjacent to the road which resulted in substantial damage to the airplane’s fuselage and both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot noted that a more thorough flight planning and a more accurate use of the airplane’s performance charts could have prevented the accident.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA396 for the full record.