# NTSB LAX87LA021: Cessna 172C, N8449X, Michigan Bar, CA, October 19, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 19, 1986, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Michigan Bar, CA
- Coordinates: 38.509891, -121.120315 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5099&lon=-121.1203&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 2 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA021
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA021

## 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)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A PLEASURE CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT EXPERIENCED AN ENGING FAILURE. EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL TANKS REVEALED THAT BOTH TANKS WERE EMPTY OF FUEL. THE CARBURETOR WAS REMOVED FROM THE ENGINE AND FOUND TO CONTAIN APPROXIMATELY 1 TABLESPOON OF FUEL. NO ACC REPORT OR FLT TIME WAS OBTAINED FROM THE PLT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8449X](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8449X-2013-05-14), registration cancelled 2013-05-14, S/N 17248949, built 1961 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172C
- Registry model: [Cessna 172C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172c) (registry code 2072408) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17248949
- Airframe hours: 5045
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: James R. Crutchfield
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 1, 1986, 14 hours before
- Departed: 308, COALINGA, CA
- Destination: R1U, MICHIGAN BAR, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 44; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 9 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAC, 19 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 19861019049409A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861019049409A), Oct 19, 1986: Cessna 172C, Michigan Bar, CA, Substantial damage. The engine lost power during a crosscountry flight. Pilot has not submitted report. Suspect fuel exhaustion.

## Other investigations on N8449X (1)

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.

- [NTSB DEN67A0046](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN67A0046), Feb 8, 1967: Cessna 172C (N8449X), Bluff, UT, substantial damage, 2 fatal

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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