# NTSB LAX90LA198: Cessna 172E, N3888S, Glendale, AZ, May 28, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 28, 1990, 12:58 local (19:58 UTC)
- Place: Glendale, AZ
- Coordinates: 33.529632, -112.310623 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.5296&lon=-112.3106&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26824
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA198
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26824/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA198

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION. RESULTING FROM THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM REFUELING.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency

## Analysis

AFTER OBSERVING THAT THE RIGHT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL GAUGE INDICATED ONE QUARTER FULL, THE PILOT TOOK OFF FOR A SHORT FLIGHT TO HIS DESTINATION AIRPORT. AS HE NEARED HIS DESTINATION THE ENGINE FAILED AND HE ENTERED A FORCED LANDING TO A ROAD IN THE AREA. THE AIRCRAFT STALLED DURING THE LANDING FLARE AND COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND. AN EXAMINATION OF THE FUEL SYSTEM AFTER THE ACCIDENT DISCLOSED ONE INCH OF FUEL IN EACH TANK AND NO EVIDENCE OF RUPTURES IN THE SYSTEM.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3888S](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3888S-2013-08-13), registration cancelled 2013-08-13, S/N 17251088, built 1963 (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
- Serial number: 17251088
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O300D 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Fant, Elvin T. Sr.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: FFZ, MESA, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 621 total, 339 in this make and model, 482 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- 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 19900528017559A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900528017559A), May 28, 1990: Cessna 172E, Glendale, AZ, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Pilot reported departed with left fuel on one quarter right empty. Gages same on empty tanks.

## Other investigations on N3888S (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 LAX70DUJ15](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX70DUJ15), Feb 23, 1970: Cessna 172E (N3888S), Mormon Lake, AZ, 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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