Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, about 3 miles from the destination airport, the engine experienced a loss of power. During the forced landing to a nearby field, the airplane collided with an unseen set of power lines before touching down in the field. Both the left wing and the empennage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that, when the engine lost power, the left wing fuel gauge was indicating that the tank was empty and the right wing fuel gauge was indicating that the tank was 1/4 to 1/2 full of fuel. Postaccident examination of the airframe revealed that the fuel system was not compromised, and no evidence of fuel was found in the airplane's fuel system. The examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR15LA077 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 4, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Fresno, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 172D
- N-number
- N2948U
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1963
- 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.