# NTSB ERA22LA298: Cessna 172, N12115, Akron, OH, July 4, 2022 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: July 4, 2022, 19:01 local (23:01 UTC) - Place: Akron, OH · School parking lot - Coordinates: 41.050692, -81.441501 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0507&lon=-81.4415&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-descent: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 2 serious - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO, Textron, Lycoming Engines - NTSB case key (mKey): 105424 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA22LA298 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/105424/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105424 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA22LA298 ## Probable cause The pilots’ improper preflight fuel planning and in-flight fuel management, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Planning/preparation: fuel planning](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 719 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid management (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 12 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Info processing/decision: identification/recognition](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 559 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-descent: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 7 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 804 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md) - [Approach: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 28 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Approach: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240); cases with it: [Cessna 172M, 47 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2072418), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot fueled the airplane before takeoff on the last leg of the cross-country flight. As he began the descent toward his home airport, the pilot noted that the fuel gauges were indicating lower than he had ever observed them to be. Shortly after he turned to a nearby airport to purchase additional fuel, the engine stopped producing power. During the forced landing, the airplane’s landing gear impacted trees, and the airplane descended nose-first to the ground, substantially damaging the fuselage and right wing. Examination of the wreckage revealed no evidence of fuel in the fuel tanks, fuel lines, or carburetor. No preimpact anomalies or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation were observed. Fuel calculations for the takeoff and cruise portions of the accident flight revealed that between about 2 and 6 gallons of fuel could have remained at the time of the accident; however, these calculations did not account for improper fuel mixture leaning or fuel used during start, taxi, and run-up. Given that the pilot did not lean the mixture during the cross-country flight, it is likely the airplane’s fuel supply had been completely exhausted, resulting in the total loss of engine power. Had appropriate preflight fuel planning and inflight fuel monitoring been performed by the pilot, the fuel exhaustion likely would have been prevented. ## Factual narrative On July 4, 2022, about 1901 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N12115, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Akron, Ohio. The pilot and passenger were seriously injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot and passenger were returning from Connecticut and had stopped at Skyhaven Airport (76N), Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, to fuel the airplane on the way back to Weltzien Skypark Airport (15G), Wadsworth, Ohio, which was the pilot’s home airport. Review of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data revealed that the airplane was first detected at 1627 shortly after departing 76N. The airplane climbed to an altitude of about 4,500 ft mean sea level (msl) and continued a westerly course for about 2 hours 15 minutes. The pilot reported that, as he began a descent toward 15G and looked at the fuel gauges, he noted that he had never recalled seeing them so low. He decided to divert to the Akron Fulton Airport (AKR), Akron, Ohio, to purchase fuel, and turned toward the southwest. Shortly after, the engine stopped producing power. The passenger questioned the pilot when “all of a sudden, everything got quiet,” and he responded, “We're out of fuel.” He executed a forced landing to a parking lot; however, on final approach, the landing gear impacted trees and the airplane pitched down. Track data showed that after the southwesterly turn, the airplane descended and impacted a parking lot .9 nautical mile short of runway 25 at AKR. Examination of the accident site by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the airplane impacted the parking lot nose-first, substantially damaging the fuselage and right wing. The FAA inspector noted no fuel odor at the accident site. Fuel receipts obtained after the accident supported the pilot’s statement that he purchased fuel at each stop along his route of flight. The 76N airport manager watched the pilot fuel the airplane and believed that he “topped off both tanks.” In a follow-up interview with the pilot, he stated that he occasionally leaned the mixture, but not always, and that on the accident flight he was “fighting a headwind . . . and was running [the engine] more rich than normal.” He reported that he typically set the power to 2,350-2,400 rpm. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no fuel in the fuel lines or carburetor bowl and a trace amount of fuel in the fuel filter. Examination of the fuel selector revealed no preimpact anomalies. The left and right fuel tanks were removed and examined, and no leaks were noted in the left fuel tank. The right fuel tank was impact damaged and breached. The left fuel tank fuel screen was free of obstruction. The airplane had an endurance of about 3.9 hours with 38 gallons of useable fuel. Referencing the Owner’s Manual Cruise & Performance Range Chart, at maximum gross weight with standard conditions, zero wind and lean mixture, thefuel consumption would be 8.1 gallons per hour (gph) at 75% power and 5,000 ft msl. According to ADS-B data, the first flight was 2.2 hours. Adding 1.75 gallons for takeoff, the fuel consumption would have been 19.57 gallons. Per the airport owner’s statement, the pilot performed a go-around maneuver on his first landing attempt at 76N. Adding an additional gallon for the go-around, the total fuel consumed would have been 20.57 gallons. The fuel receipt from 76N indicated 11.23 gallons were purchased, bringing the total fuel available for the accident flight to 28.66 gallons. According to ADS-B data, the flight was 2.6 hours, with a total fuel consumption of 22.92 gallons including 1.86 gallons for takeoff. Using the above-described standard conditions, at the time of the accident, the airplane would have had 5.74 gallons of fuel remaining. The Owner’s Manual states that: “Allowances for fuel reserve, headwinds, take-off and climb, and variations in mixture leaning technique should be made and are in addition to those shown on the chart.” The Operator’s Manual for the Lycoming O-320 series engine indicated a fuel consumption of 8.8 gph at 2,350 rpm, 65% economy cruise. At this fuel consumption rate, the first flight would have consumed 22.11 gallons (climb fuel 1.75 gallons, 2.2 hours at 8.8 gph, plus one gallon for the go around), leaving 15.89 gallons fuel available. Adding the 11.23 gallons purchased at 76N, the airplane would have had 27.12 gallons available for accident flight. The accident flight consumed 24.74 gallons (climb fuel 1.86 gallons, 2.6 hours at 8.8 gph). This would have resulted in 2.38 gallons remaining at the time of the accident. These calculations do not include leaning procedures, or fuel used during start, taxi, and run-up. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N12115](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N12115), registered now, S/N 17261818, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 172 (M) - Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 17261818 - Year built: 1973 - Airframe hours: 4324.2 - Engines: Lycoming O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, June 11, 2022, 9.4 hours before - Departed: 45PN, Tunkhannock, PA - Destination: 15G, Wadsworth, OH - Airport: AKR, Akron Fulton Intl - Equipment: ADS-B, Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 71; injuries: serious; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: basicmed; seat: left ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 210° at 9 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 55 °F - Altimeter: 30.10 inHg - Observed at: AKR, 1 nm away - METAR: KAKR 042254Z AUTO 21009KT 10SM CLR 30/13 A3010 RMK AO2 SLP185 T03000133 ## 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 20220704011719A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20220704011719A), Jul 4, 2022: Cessna 172M, Akron, OH, Substantial damage. From 76N to 15G pilot reported to ATC running low on fuel. Attempted to land at akr but crashed 1MI short of akr rwy 25. Aircraft hit trees and crashed on… ## Docket (17 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on November 15, 2023, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=105424. 187 MB in all. - Memorandum of record - no 6120.1 form received (item 1, PDF, 1 page, 209 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14810641&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=MOR%20No%206120-Rel.pdf - Pilot statement (item 2, PDF, 2 pages, 585 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14453821&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA22LA298%20Record%20of%20Conversation%20Pilot_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Witness statements (item 3, PDF, 4 pages, 2.0 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14417009&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=1-Witness%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - FAA inspector statements (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 1.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14416594&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=3-FAA%20Inspector%20Statements_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Fuel receipts (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 4.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14419896&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA22LA298%20Fuel%20Receipts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum of record - fuel calculations (item 6, PDF, 5 pages, 846 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14810769&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fuel%20Calculation%20MOR-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from owner's manual (item 7, PDF, 4 pages, 254 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14810621&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=POH%20Excerpts-Rel.pdf - Airplane maintenance logbook entries (item 8, PDF, 7 pages, 156 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14420975&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airplane%20Logbook%20Excerpts_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Fuel selector gasket invoice (item 9, PDF, 3 pages, 1.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14419770&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fuel%20Selector%20Gaskets%20Invoice_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Meteorology - winds aloft information (item 10, PDF, 1 page, 374 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14420402&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=ERA22LA298%20-%20Winds%20Aloft%20Information_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Photographs (item 11, PDF, 7 pages, 1.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14416608&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=4-ERA22LA298%20Photo%20Array-Rel.pdf - ADS-B tabular data (item 12, XLSX, 16.8 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14420125&FileExtension=xlsx&FileName=20220704_A05A02_488506944_ADSB-Rel.xlsx - Flight track plot (item 13, KMZ, 509 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14420322&FileExtension=kmz&FileName=20220704_A05A02_488506944-Rel.kmz - Wreckage examination summary (item 14, PDF, 2 pages, 313 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14417019&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=5-INSPECTION%20SUMMARY%20OF%20N12115%20ON%20JULY%207%202022_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record a�� mechanic questions (item 15, PDF, 1 page, 173 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14416477&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6-MOR%20Mechanic%20Questions-Rel.pdf - Party forms (item 16, PDF, 10 pages, 329 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14417327&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Party%20Forms_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 17, PDF, 1 page, 158 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=14416618&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Signed%20Wreckage%20Release_Redacted-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.