# NTSB CHI86LA178: Cessna 172N, N734XX, West Branch, MI, July 24, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 24, 1986, 10:40 local (14:40 UTC)
- Place: West Branch, MI
- Coordinates: 44.269016, -84.229217 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.2690&lon=-84.2292&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13491
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA178
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13491/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA178

## 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
  - fuel system - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - lack of total experience, pilot in command
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - instructions,written/verbal - disregarded, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT'S CFI HAD ADVISED HIM TO REFUEL AT AN EN ROUTE ARPT ON THE X-COUNTY SOLO FLT BECAUSE THERE WAS NO FUEL AVAIL AT DEPARTURE ARPT. THE STUDENT DID NOT DIP THETANKS BUT STATED 'BASED ON MY CALCULATIONS OF FUEL BURN THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ENOUGH FUEL TO COMPLETE THE TRIP WITHOUT REFUELING AT ANOTHER LOCATION'. FUEL EXHAUSTION WAS EXPERIENCED 44 NM NORTHEAST OF THE DESTINATION ARPT AND THE  ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES DURING THE FORCED LANING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N734XX](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N734XX), registered now, S/N 17269207, 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: 17269207
- Airframe hours: 1850
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-H2AD 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aviation Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, June 20, 1986, 75 hours before
- Departed: APN, ALPENA, MI
- Destination: MOP, MT. PLEASANT, MI
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: Y31, West Branch

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 26; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 30 total, 30 in this make and model, 8 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MBS, 45 nm away

## 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 19860724037369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860724037369A), Jul 24, 1986: Cessna 172N, West Branch, MI, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. Student failed to fill tanks as directed by instructor.

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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