# NTSB LAX94LA036: Cessna 175, N7646M, Palm Springs, CA, November 4, 1993 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 3, 1993, 16:28 local (Nov 4, 1993, 00:28 UTC) - Place: Palm Springs, CA - Coordinates: 33.850353, -116.560653 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.8504&lon=-116.5607&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report August 1, 1994 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 28589 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX94LA036 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/28589/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX94LA036 ## Probable cause fuel exhaustion due to the pilot's failure to adequately monitor the fuel consumption during the flight. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause) - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - Forced landing, descent - emergency - Nose over, landing - roll - terrain condition - soft ## Analysis The pilot reported that the aircraft was descending toward Palm Springs after an uneventful 3 hour 13 minute flight. He stated that both wing fuel tanks were filled to capacity before departure. About eight miles from the airport as the aircraft descended through about 8,000 feet, the engine stopped. The pilot set up a best-glide configuration; however, landed short of the airport in soft sand. When the nose gear touched down, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over. Examination of the site revealed no fuel spill on the ground under the aircraft, and no fuel stains were noted around the tank caps or vents. Total fuel system continuity was established from the tanks to the engine. One-quarter of a gallon of fuel was drained from the left tank while less than five gallons were drained from the right tank. According to the aircraft owners manual, each wing fuel tank has a 26 gallon capacity, 21 of which is usable. ## Factual narrative On November 3, 1993, at 1628 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 175, N7646M, nosed over during a forced landing near Palm Springs, California, following a loss of engine power. The aircraft was owned and operated by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. Both the certificated commercial pilot and his one passenger sustained minor injuries. The flight originated at Hollister, California, on the day of the mishap at about 1315 hours as a personal cross- country flight to Palm Springs. In his statement, the pilot reported that the aircraft was descending toward Palm Springs after an uneventful flight. He stated that both wing fuel tanks were filled to capacity before departure. About eight miles from the airport as the aircraft descended through about 8,000 feet, the engine stopped. The pilot set up a best glide configuration; however, landed short of the airport in soft sand. When the nose gear touched down, the nose gear collapsed and the aircraft nosed over. The aircraft retrieval firm which recovered the aircraft reported that they observed no fuel spill on the ground under the aircraft, and no fuel stains were noted around the tank caps or vents. Total fuel system continuity was established from the tanks to the engine. One quarter of a gallon of fuel was drained from the left tank while less than five gallons were drained from the right tank. According to the Cessna Aircraft Owners Manual for the aircraft, each wing fuel tank has a 26 gallon capacity, 21 of which is usable. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N7646M](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N7646M-2012-10-22), registration cancelled 2012-10-22, S/N 55946, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 175 - Registry model: [Cessna 175](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-175) (registry code 2072502) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental GO-300 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-go-300-series) (registry code 17024, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 55946 - Airframe hours: 3690 - Engines: CONTINENTAL GO-300A 175 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Operator: John C. Culver - Registered owner: John C. Culver - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, January 4, 1993, 50 hours before - Departed: 307, HOLLISTER, CA ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 55; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 3,000 total, 250 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 13 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 8 knots - Visibility: 40 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 10 °F - Altimeter: 29.00 inHg ## 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 19931103042119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19931103042119A), Nov 3, 1993: Cessna 175, Palm Springs, CA, Substantial damage. Engine quit 8 miles short of destination. Landed in soft sand and nosed over. Fuel tanks were empty usable fuel. 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.