Cessna 177RG N919DC accident near Richmond Hill, Georgia

Probable cause

The pilot’s mismanagement of the fuel supply, which resulted in fuel starvation.

NTSB analysis

During a cross-country flight, the pilot reported that while in cruise flight, at an altitude of 5,500 ft the engine “just stopped.” Although the pilot was able to restart the engine; the engine lost power again and the pilot made a forced landing in a field. During the forced landing, the airplane contacted wood debris and was substantially damaged.

A postaccident examination of the engine, ignition, fuel, and vent systems did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The left fuel tank was empty, and the right fuel tank was full. The pilot stated that during the flight, the fuel selector was in the BOTH position. A review of the airplane’s operating handbook revealed that the “fuel selector valve handle should be in the BOTH position for takeoff, landing, and power-on maneuvers that involve prolonged slips or skids.” The handbook also states that if the fuel selector is in the BOTH position during prolonged climb or cruise, an unequal fuel flow from each tank may occur if the airplane is out of trim directionally or if the fuel caps are not sealed properly. Although it was not determined if the fuel imbalance occurred due to improperly sealed fuel caps or an out-of-trim condition, the pilot should have been monitoring the fuel levels during the flight and taken corrective action to avoid fuel starvation. Available evidence indicates the engine lost total power due to fuel starvation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA105 for the full record.