# NTSB ATL83LA005: Cessna 172N, N737LJ, Albany, GA, October 6, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 6, 1982, 09:47 local (13:47 UTC)
- Place: Albany, GA
- Location: 31.5785° N, 84.1557° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Albany, GA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.5785&lon=-84.1557&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 6, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69712
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83LA005
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69712/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83LA005

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
- In flight collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT OF N737LJ DEPARTED ON A CROSS-COUNTRY BUSINESS TRIP WITH LESS THAN FULL FUEL TANKS. AFTER FLYING ABOUT 2 HOURS THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE QUIT AND THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING IN AN OPEN FIELD. THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH TREES AT THE EDGE OF THE FIELD. EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL TANKS REVEALED INSUFFICENT FUEL REMAINING FOR ENGINE OPERATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N737LJ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N737LJ-2006-09-28), registration cancelled 2006-09-28, S/N 17269498, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172N
- Registry model: [Cessna 172N](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172n) (registry code 2072434) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17269498
- Airframe hours: 2546
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harmon, W. Charles
- Departed: BHM, BIRMINGHAM, AL
- Destination: CRG, JACKSONVILLE, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 125 total, 80 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,500 ft overcast
- Temperature: 162 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABY

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19821006051599A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19821006051599A), Oct 6, 1982: Cessna 172N, Albany, GA, Substantial damage. Exhausted fuel on top of overcast. Crashed during emergency landing after let down through clouds.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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