Cessna 182 N2394G accident near Lincoln, Illinois

Probable cause

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

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that he departed with 60 gallons of fuel, and about 5 hours into an aerial observation flight, the airplane was not responding to throttle inputs, and he decided to head toward a nearby airport to land. He descended to 2,000 ft, the engine experienced a total power loss, and he realized he was not going to be able to glide to the destination airport. He turned toward a field, and about 50 ft above ground, the airplane started gaining power and climbed to 100 ft. The engine experienced another power loss, and he turned 180° toward the interstate, and the engine surged a second time before losing power again. During the forced landing on the interstate, the airplane struck a car and came to rest in the grass adjacent to the road.

Video provided by the Federal Aviation Administration showed no fuel drained from the left fuel tank and less than 1/2 cup of fuel drained from the right fuel tank.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left horizontal stabilizer.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA421 for the full record.