# NTSB FTW86LRA03: Cessna 172F, N8267U, Saratoga, TX, January 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: January 5, 1986, 17:45 local (23:45 UTC)
- Place: Saratoga, TX
- Coordinates: 30.27909, -94.520126 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2791&lon=-94.5201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 3 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22123
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW86LRA03
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22123/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW86LRA03

## 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 (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
  - object - wire,transmission (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

PILOT WAS ENROUTE FROM ROCKSPRINGS, TX. TO HARDIN COUNTY AIRPORT NEAR KOUNTZ, TX. AS PILOT APPOACHED SARATOGA, TX., THE ENGINE QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. PILOT LANDED IN FIELD NEAR SARATOGA CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE AIRCRAFT. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED BY PILOT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8267U](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8267U-2021-10-30), registration cancelled 2021-10-30, S/N 17252167, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172F
- Registry model: [Cessna 172F](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172f) (registry code 2072414) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17252167
- Airframe hours: 2501
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Magnum Aviation Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 15, 1985, 19 hours before
- Departed: T98, SAN MARCUS, TX
- Destination: HRD

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 800 total, 150 in this make and model, 750 as pilot in command, 1 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 55 °F

## 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 19860105000229A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860105000229A), Jan 5, 1986: Cessna 172F, Saratoga, TX, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route due to fuel exhaustion. Struck trees and powerlines during landing. Fuel gauge inoperative.

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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