Cessna 180 N180LE accident near Huron, New York

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the float-equipped airplane stated that he was on final approach for landing on a lake where he intended to refuel. About 400 feet above ground level, the airplane's engine lost power. The pilot was unable to restart it and impacted a corn field approximately one-half mile from the lake. The pilot reported that he had flown for about 4 1/2 hours and that the right fuel tank gauge indicated approximately one-quarter remaining just prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane revealed the left wing's fuel tank was void of fuel, and approximately 1 gallon of fuel was extracted from the right wing fuel tank. The engine separated from the airframe during the impact and the firewall was substantially damaged. According to photos provided by first responders to the accident site, the right fuel tank indicator was between the "empty" indication and the 1/4 tank indication and the left tank indicated below "empty."

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA472 for the full record.