# NTSB FTW86LA038: Cessna 172G, N3373B, Spring, TX, January 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 21, 1986, 03:30 local (09:30 UTC)
- Place: Spring, TX
- Coordinates: 30.320861, -95.470489 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.3209&lon=-95.4705&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): 21994
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LA038
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21994/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LA038

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight encounter with weather, cruise - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - iaf to faf/outer marker (ifr)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - light condition - dark night
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - utility pole

## Analysis

THE PILOT CONTINUED VFR FLIGHT INTO IFR WEATHER CONDITIONS WHICH HE HAD ENCOUNTERED NEAR HIS DESTINATION DURING THE LAST FEW MOMENTS OF HIS APPROXIMATE FOUR HOUR, NIGHT, CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT. HE THEN TURNED BACK TO HOUSTON INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT TO LAND. HE WAS LOW ON FUEL. HIS ENGINE STOPPED ABOUT THREE MILES FROM THE INTENDED POINT OF TOUCHDOWN. HE DESCENDED THROUGH THE FOG AND SPOTTED A ROAD ON WHICH HE MADE A FORCED LANDING. DURING ROLLOUT THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTED MAIL BOXES AND CAME TO REST IN THE FRONT OF A RESIDENCE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3373B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3373B), registered now, S/N 17253577, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172G
- Registry model: [Cessna 172G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172g) (registry code 2072420) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17253577
- Airframe hours: 4710
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allen J. Braden
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 25, 1985
- Departed: MOB, MOBILE, AL
- Destination: DWH, TOM BALL, TX
- Airport: IAH, Houston

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,091 total, 557 in this make and model, 3,091 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Instrument (IMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 1 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 200 ft overcast
- Temperature: 63 °F, dew point 59 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IAH, 3 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 19860121001499A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860121001499A), Jan 21, 1986: Cessna 172G, Spring, TX, Substantial damage. Encountered heavy ground fog near destination. Fuel exhaustion on approach to alternate. Struck mailbox, parked car

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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