Probable cause
The pilot’s mismanagement of available fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel starvation.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that he completed a 200 nautical mile cross country flight, then returned to the departure airport for touch-and-go landings. During the second touch-and-go, the engine experienced a loss of power about 200 to 300 ft agl. The pilot was unable to restore engine power and executed a forced landing to a field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. After the accident the pilot reported that he did not switch the fuel selector to the tank with available fuel.
The airplane contained about 36 gallons of fuel; 18 gallons in each fuel tank. The total flight time was about 2 hours and 20 minutes. The estimated fuel consumption rate for this engine was 8 gallons per hour.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA355 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 27, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lubbock, Texas
- Nearest airport
- (LBB)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Night
Cessna 172M
- N-number
- N92356
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1973
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
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.