IAD97LA033

The pilot made a forced landing into wooded terrain after the engine lost power. Examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tanks were empty. The pilot did not provide an account of the accident after several requests; however, a witness indicated the pilot stated shortly after the accident that he had misjudged the amount of fuel in the airplane.

On December 16, 1996, at about 1342 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172B, N6937X, impacted terrain in a heavily wooded area approximately six miles southeast of the Charleston Yeager Airport, Charleston, West Virginia, while attempting a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The private pilot, the sole occupant, sustained serious injuries and the aircraft was destroyed. The flight originated from Fort Myers, Florida, exact time unknown, with an intended destination of Green City, Michigan and refueling at Charleston, West Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91.

A witness stated that he had spoke with the pilot shortly after the accident and said that the pilot stated that he had misjudged the amount of fuel in the airplane. An examination of the wreckage by the FAA and other inspectors found no mechanical, electrical or flight control anomalies. The fuel tanks were found intact but void, of fuel, and the surrounding foliage revealed no evidence of a fuel spill. The engine was tested in Mobile, Alabama at Teledyne Continental Motors and performed within specifications.

The pilot was sent a form 6120.1/2 0n 12/18/96. Subsequent phone calls were also made, however, the pilot had not returned a completed form 6120.1/2 by the time of this writing.