# NTSB LAX90LA313: Cessna 182C, N9021T, Reno, NV, August 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 30, 1990, 18:24 local (Aug 31, 1990, 01:24 UTC)
- Place: Reno, NV
- Coordinates: 39.520721, -119.810119 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.5207&lon=-119.8101&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 23, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26914
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA313
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26914/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA313

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION AND 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) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT DEPARTED ON THE ACCIDENT FLIGHT WITH 55 GALLONS OF FUEL. THE PLANNED FLIGHT TIME TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT WAS 3.2 HOURS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE PROCEEDED TOWARDS THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. WHEN THE AIRPLANE WAS 12 MILES NORTH OF RENO CANNON INTL AIRPORT THE AIRPLANE SUSTAINED A TOTAL POWER LOSS DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE AIRPLANE RECORDS AND THE HOBBSMETER INDICATE THE AIRPLANE HAD OPERATED 4.5 HOURS. THE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS BASED ON THE PILOT'S FUEL CAPACITY STATEMENT DISCLOSED THAT THE AIRPLANE WOULD HAVE SUSTAINED TOTAL FUEL EXHAUSTION IN ABOUT 4.4 HOURS +/- 0.3 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9021T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9021T-1990-11-29), registration cancelled 1990-11-29, S/N 52921 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 182C
- Registry model: [Cessna 182C](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-182c) (registry code 2072708) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 18252901
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-470-L 230 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tango Air Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: 3S2, AURORA, OR
- Destination: TRK, TRUCKEE, CA
- Flight plan: Unknown

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 190 total, 190 in this make and model, 19 in the last 90 days, 12 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 300° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Observed at: RNO, 1 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 19900830037539A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900830037539A), Aug 30, 1990: Cessna 182C, Reno, NV, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel on approach to destination. Nosed over landing off airport. Fuel tanks were empty.

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.

---
OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.