Cessna 172K N7058G accident near Fredericksburg, Virginia

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a subsequent total loss of engine power.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the airplane had been stored in a hangar for two years awaiting an engine rebuild. Following the rebuild and an annual inspection, the pilot planned to ferry the airplane to his farm. After a preflight inspection, the pilot had trouble starting the engine due to a low battery, requiring a jump start. After successfully starting the engine, and shortly after departure, the engine lost total power about five miles from the farm, requiring a forced landing. The airplane collided with trees during the ensuing off-airport landing. A postaccident examination of the airplane’s wreckage revealed no evidence of any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures of the engine and that the airplane’s fuel tanks were absent of fuel. In a subsequent statement, the pilot confirmed that the accident was the result of fuel exhaustion.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA390 for the full record.