# NTSB investigations: Fuel quantity indicator

NTSB aviation accident and incident investigations since 1962: the probable cause, findings, aircraft, crew, weather and docket of each, linked to the FAA registry and the FAA’s own reports.

## Latest cases

- [NTSB CEN25LA035](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN25LA035.md): De Havilland DHC-1 · East Troy, WI · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Nov 6, 2024 · N420TD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate fuel management, which resulted in fuel starvation and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the inaccurate fuel gauge.
- [NTSB ERA23LA053](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA053.md): Schmidt Randall M Bushby Mustang II · Statesboro, GA · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Nov 2, 2022 · N30RK · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the fuel exhaustion was the likely inaccurate right fuel quantity indicating system.
- [NTSB CEN22LA229](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN22LA229.md): Fahey William J CH750 Cruzer · San Antonio, TX · Accident · No injuries · Class 4 · Limited · Final report · Jun 2, 2022 · N415WF · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the fuel starvation was a faulty experimental fuel gauge.
- [NTSB ANC21LA033](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC21LA033.md): Cessna 140 · Anchorage, AK · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Apr 26, 2021 · N77219 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s mismanagement of fuel which resulted in fuel starvation and total loss of engine power during a go-around. Contributing to the accident was the improperly marked fuel quantity gauges that failed to indicate a fuel quantity takeoff limitation.
- [NTSB ERA21LA062](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA21LA062.md): Ercoupe 415 · South Boston, VA · Accident · No injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 6, 2020 · N2674H · Substantial damage
  > The improper installation of a fuel filter screen cover gasket, which resulted in its failure, fuel starvation, and a subsequent total loss of engine power during cruise flight. Contributing to the accident was the unapproved fuel sight gauge, which obscured…
- [NTSB CEN20LA036](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN20LA036.md): Champion 7ECA · Starkville, MS · Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report · Dec 18, 2019 · N9566S · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision not to visually confirm the remaining fuel onboard during the intermediate stop.
- [NTSB GAA19CA426](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/GAA19CA426.md): North American T28 · Hollister, CA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jun 20, 2019 · N28CU · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent total loss of engine power.
- [NTSB CEN19FA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN19FA124.md): Beech 58 · Kerrville, TX · Accident · 6 fatal · Class 2 · Field · Final report · Apr 22, 2019 · N501CE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight fuel planning and fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Also causal was the pilot's failure to follow the one-engine inoperative checklist and maintain the airplane's minimum…
- [NTSB CEN18LA300](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA300.md): Continental Copters Tomcat MK5A · Le Sueur, MN · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 27, 2018 · N9005T · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel planning, during which he did not visually check the fuel quantity in the fuel tanks and instead relied on the fuel gauges that were showing erroneous fuel quantity indications, which resulted in fuel…
- [NTSB CEN18LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN18LA032.md): Cessna T207A · Rock Springs, WY · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 15, 2017 · N9825M · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper in-flight fuel management and reliance on a faulty fuel gauge, which resulted in fuel starvation during approach for landing, and his failure to follow the emergency checklist after losing engine power.
- [NTSB CEN17LA356](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA356.md): Cessna R182 · Worland, WY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2017 · N1835R · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's decision to operate an airplane with unreliable fuel gauges and the worn fuel cap seal that allowed fuel to siphon from the left wing fuel tank, which ultimately resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB WPR17LA071](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR17LA071.md): Bell 206B · Firebaugh, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Mar 1, 2017 · N211CS · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper calibration of the fuel quantity gauge, which led the pilot to believe that there was adequate fuel onboard.
- [NTSB CEN17LA089](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN17LA089.md): Ercoupe 415-C · Butterfield, TX · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 28, 2017 · N94694 · Substantial damage
  > A malfunction of the fuel transfer system for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information, a stuck float in the header tank sight gauge that resulted in an inaccurate fuel quantity indication, and the pilot’s inadequate monitoring…
- [NTSB WPR16LA032](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR16LA032.md): Hughes 369D · Carlisle, WA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Nov 24, 2015 · N50713 · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during cruise flight due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper calibration of the fuel quantity gauge.
- [NTSB ANC15CA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC15CA052.md): Cessna 182 · Wasilla, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Jul 23, 2015 · N5722B · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel was onboard to complete the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the improperly calibrated fuel quantity indication system.
- [NTSB CEN15LA271](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN15LA271.md): Grumman Acft ENG Cor-Schweizer G 164B · Foster, NE · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jun 12, 2015 · N48687 · Substantial damage
  > The total loss of engine power during a low-level aerial application flight due to fuel exhaustion following the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection that led to his assumption that sufficient fuel was on board for the flight based on his reliance on a…
- [NTSB ERA15CA120](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA15CA120.md): Piper PA 18-150 · Brookneal, VA · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Feb 4, 2015 · N619GB · Substantial damage
  > The flight instructor and pilot-rated student's inadequate preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB WPR15LA077](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA077.md): Cessna 172D · Fresno, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 4, 2015 · N2948U · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's improper fuel planning, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ANC14LA052](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC14LA052.md): Aeronca 7BCM · Palmer, AK · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 9, 2014 · N68593 · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s failure to ensure adequate fuel was onboard to complete the flight, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and the subsequent loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident was the improperly calibrated fuel quantity indication system.
- [NTSB CEN12LA667](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA667.md): Mcdonnell Douglas Heli 369FF · Decorah, IA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 30, 2012 · N530KD · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to properly manage the helicopter's available fuel supply, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the improper calibration of the fuel gauge and the fuel-low warning light.
- [NTSB WPR12LA246](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR12LA246.md): Beech B36TC · Santa Ynez, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · May 27, 2012 · N8234M · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power during initial climb due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident were the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection, his failure to properly diagnose the loss of engine power, and his failure to follow the appropriate emergency…
- [NTSB ERA12LA268](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA268.md): Hawker Beechcraft C90GTX · Caribbean Sea, A1 · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Apr 3, 2012 · N8116L · Substantial damage
  > A complete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to verify that sufficient fuel was onboard prior to flight. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's misreading of the fuel ticket and his improper operation of the…
- [NTSB ERA12LA126](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA12LA126.md): Classic Waco YMF5 · Marathon, FL · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 26, 2011 · N64JE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot did not ensure that there was sufficient fuel aboard the airplane before initiating the flight, which resulted in temporary fuel starvation and an interruption in engine power during maneuvering. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s decision…
- [NTSB WPR11LA451](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR11LA451.md): Peter A Land White Lightning · Lancaster, CA · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 12, 2011 · N2WL · Substantial damage
  > A total loss of engine power during the landing approach due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the airplane’s inaccurate fuel indicator.
- [NTSB CEN11LA635](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN11LA635.md): Fairchild M-62A-3 · Waukegan, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Sep 10, 2011 · N103JC · Substantial damage
  > The pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection of the airplane, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power. Contributing to the accident were a malfunctioning fuel gauge and air traffic that prevented an on airport landing.
- [NTSB ERA10CA472](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA10CA472.md): Cessna 180 · Huron, NY · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 9, 2010 · N180LE · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's inadequate preflight planning and preparation, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
- [NTSB ANC10CA079](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC10CA079.md): Piper PA-14 · Talkeetna, AK · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Aug 26, 2010 · N5114H · Substantial damage
  > A faulty fuel quantity indication in-flight, which precipitated a precautionary off-airport landing, and collision with a road sign.
- [NTSB WPR10CA224](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR10CA224.md): Evolution Trikes Revo · Eleele, HI · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 19, 2010 · N98EV · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power as a result of fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's improper decision to continue the flight after the low fuel warning. Contributing to the accident was the typographical error in the flight manual concerning the unusable fuel quantity.
- [NTSB WPR09CA467](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09CA467.md): Beech 35-C33 · Tillamook, OR · Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 27, 2009 · N90LP · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to visually verify that sufficient fuel was on board prior to flight. Contributing to the accident was a malfunctioning fuel gage.
- [NTSB CEN09CA593](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA593.md): Linke KR-2 · Mt. Vernon, IL · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Sep 18, 2009 · N4207Z · Substantial damage
  > The inadequate preflight planning/preparation and fuel management by the pilot which led to fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power during approach. Contributing to the accident was the inoperative fuel indicator.
- [NTSB ERA09LA441](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA441.md): Mooney M20F · Suffolk, VA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Aug 3, 2009 · N3549N · Substantial damage
  > A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s failure to accurately calculate the fuel required for the flight. Contributing to the accident was a malfunction of the fuel quantity indicators.
- [NTSB ERA09LA380](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA380.md): Piper PA-25-235 · Westerly, RI · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jul 4, 2009 · N4898Y · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to use carburetor heat resulting in a complete loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
- [NTSB ERA09CA232](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09CA232.md): Cessna 177RG · Ocean Isle Beach, NC · Accident · Minor injuries · Data collection · Final report · Apr 4, 2009 · N1838Q · Substantial damage
  > The pilot's failure to divert to an alternate airport resulting in the total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident were the pilot's incorrect determination of the fuel load prior to the flight, the lack of placards near the…
- [NTSB WPR09LA098](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR09LA098.md): Cessna 172S · Oceanside, CA · Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Jan 24, 2009 · N562AD · Substantial damage
  > A defective alternator wire splice that resulted in an intermittent electrical system malfunction and erroneous fuel gauge readings, and, a loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.
- [NTSB ERA09LA114](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA09LA114.md): Johnson Barron T Lancair 360 · Owensboro, KY · Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report · Dec 29, 2008 · N360AS · Substantial damage
  > The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the fuel selector valve cotter pin and the inoperative main (center) fuel tank gauge.

## The whole list in SQL

Runs in DuckDB 1.2 or later on the release's Parquet files over HTTPS:

```sql
SELECT c."ntsbNumber", c."eventDate", c."eventType", c."eventCity", c."eventStateOrRegion", a.n_number, a."aircraftMake", a."aircraftModel", c."highestInjuryLevel", c."totalFatal", c."completionStatus", c.report_url
FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_case_detail.parquet' c LEFT JOIN 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_aircrafts.parquet' a ON a.case_mkey = c."mKey" AND a.position = 1
WHERE c."mKey" IN (SELECT f.case_mkey FROM 'https://openairdocs.org/data/latest/ntsb_findings.parquet' f WHERE starts_with(f."findingCode", '01022841'))
ORDER BY c."eventDate" DESC, c."ntsbNumber" DESC
```

This list as a web page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01022841/cases

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