# NTSB LAX89LA235: Cessna 172E, N7744U, Mariposa, CA, June 26, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 26, 1989, 16:00 local (23:00 UTC)
- Place: Mariposa, CA
- Coordinates: 37.489459, -119.999038 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4895&lon=-119.9990&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26444
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX89LA235
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26444/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX89LA235

## Probable cause

STUDENT PILOT'S MISCALCULATION OF THE FUEL SUPPLY WHICH LED TO A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## 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
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE STUDENT PILOT MISCALCULATED THE FUEL SUPPLY. EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL TANKS REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL OR POST CRASH LEAKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7744U](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7744U), registered now, S/N 17251744, built 1964 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172E
- Registry model: [Cessna 172E](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172e) (registry code 2072412) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-300-series) (registry code 17022, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-300-D 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Phil Hulme
- Departed: WHP, LOS ANGELES, CA
- Destination: O22, COLUMBIA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; student; medical: unknown, unknown; flight hours: 100 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °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 19890626066579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890626066579A), Jun 26, 1989: Cessna 172E, Mariposa, CA, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. Struck fence post on forced landing.

## Other investigations on N7744U (2)

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 OAK70DVM12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK70DVM12), Mar 26, 1970: Cessna 172E (N7744U), Atascadero, CA, substantial damage
- [NTSB OAK69D0010](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/OAK69D0010), Jun 5, 1968: Cessna 172 (N7744U), Tracy, CA, substantial damage

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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