# NTSB LAX93LA273: Cessna 172A, N7875T, Moccasin, CA, July 4, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 3, 1993, 17:00 local (Jul 4, 1993, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Moccasin, CA
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 15, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 27980
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX93LA273
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/27980/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX93LA273

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO PERFORM FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS.  FACTORS RELATED TO THIS ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT OR INFLIGHT PLANNING AND PREPARATION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
  - terrain condition - ravine

## Analysis

THE PILOT DID NOT PERFORM ANY PREFLIGHT OR EN ROUTE FUEL CALCULATIONS FOR THE FLIGHT. THE PILOT LANDED AT AN AIRPORT TO PICKUP A PASSENGER.  WHILE RETURNING TO THE INITIAL DEPARTURE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE SUSTAINED A TOTAL LOSS OF POWER. DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING, THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH A RAVINE.  A POST ACCIDENT EXAM OF THE FUEL TANKS FOUND ONLY RESIDUAL FUEL REMAINING.  AN FAA OPERATIONS INSPECTOR CALCULATED AN ENDURANCE OF 4.5 HOURS POSSIBLE.  THE TOTAL ELAPSED TACHOMETER TIME WAS 5.0 HOURS.  THE PILOT SAID HE RAN OUT OF FUEL IN A POST CRASH INTERVIEW.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7875T](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7875T-1997-02-03), registration cancelled 1997-02-03, S/N 47475 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172A
- Registry model: [Cessna 172A](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172a) (registry code 2072404) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 47475
- Airframe hours: 3686
- Engines: Continental O-300-C 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Stephen R. Fairchild, doing business as Columbia Aviation
- Registered owner: Stephen R. Fairchild
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 3, 1993
- Departed: 022, COLUMBIA, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 20; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 140 total, 50 in this make and model, 5 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 330° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MOD, 35 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 19930703022199A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930703022199A), Jul 3, 1993: Cessna 172A, Moccasin, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Crash landed in a ravine. Only residual fuel in tanks.

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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