# NTSB FTW91LA019: Cessna 172, N46383, Granbury, TX, November 26, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 26, 1990, 00:01 local (06:01 UTC)
- Place: Granbury, TX
- Coordinates: 32.439643, -97.780799 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4396&lon=-97.7808&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23293
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA019
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23293/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA019

## Probable cause

TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. FACTORS WERE THE PILOT'S IMPROPER FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, AND THE DARKNESS OF THE NIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - base turn
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - dirt bank/rising embankment - high vegetation (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown

## Analysis

THE NON-INSTRUMENT RATED PRIVATE PILOT WAS ON A NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT. FOUR HOURS AND TWENTY ONE MINUTES HAD ELAPSED SINCE THE PILOT DEPARTED HIS LAST REFUELING STOP. THE AIRPLANE WAS ON AN EXTENDED BASE LEG FOR LANDING WHEN A TOTAL ENGINE POWER LOSS OCCURRED. A FORCED LANDING WAS EXECUTED TO AN AREA COVERED WITH HIGH VEGETATION. BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE FOUND TO BE EMPTY AND THE FUEL SELECTOR WAS IN THE BOTH POSITION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N46383](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N46383-2012-12-11), registration cancelled 2012-12-11, S/N 17257231, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172
- Registry model: [Cessna 172K](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172k) (registry code 2072430) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17257231
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: John Grosboll
- Departed: MLU, MONROE, LA
- Destination: F18, CLEBURNE, TX
- Airport: F55, Granbury Muni

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 175 total, 26 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 190° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: FTW, 53 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 19901126051949A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19901126051949A), Nov 26, 1990: Cessna 172K, Granbury, TX, Substantial damage. After diverting due low fuel engine quit. Crashed in mesquite field on extended base for airport. Fuel tanks empty.

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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