Probable cause
The pilot's improper preflight planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
According to the pilot, while enroute on a cross country flight the engine began to "sputter" before experiencing a total loss of power. The pilot declared an emergency and performed a forced landing on a dirt road, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall. The pilot reported that his fuel calculation requirements for the flight were incorrect, and as a result of his miscalculation, the airplane ran out of fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA15CA048 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 8, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Landrum, South Carolina
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 177
- N-number
- N3339T
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1967
- 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.