# NTSB LAX90LA222: Cessna 182A, N3709D, Fresno, CA, May 18, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 17, 1990, 21:09 local (May 18, 1990, 04:09 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 36.749515, -119.669441 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=36.7495&lon=-119.6694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 4, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26842
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA222
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26842/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA222

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PRE-FLIGHT PLANNING.

## 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)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - landing gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PILOT HAD BEEN HANDED OFF TO FRESNO TOWER FROM APPROACH CONTROL, AND HE HAD BEEN REQUESTED TO EXTEND HIS DOWNWIND TO LAND BEHIND A CESSNA CONQUEST. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, HE STATED 'I JUST RAN OUT OF FUEL. DON'T THINK I CAN MAKE THE RUNWAY.'  THE PILOT STATED HE HAD 4 HOURS OF FUEL ON BOARD FOR THE 3.5 HOUR TRIP. HE ALSO STATED HE VISUALLY CHECKED THE FUEL PRIOR TO DEPARTING FOR FRESNO, BUT DID NOT USE A MEASURING DEVICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3709D](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3709D), registered now, S/N 34409, built 1957 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182A
- Registry model: [Cessna 182A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182a) (registry code 2072704) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental O-470 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-o-470-series) (registry code 17026, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 34409
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Kurtice W. Gruteguth
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Airport: FAT, Fresno, runway 29L, 3,902 × 75 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 28; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 185 total, 115 in this make and model, 143 as pilot in command, 15 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 39 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT, 1 nm away

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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