# NTSB LAX95LA163: Cessna 172M, N80187, Yolo, CA, April 17, 1995

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 16, 1995, 19:48 local (Apr 17, 1995, 02:48 UTC)
- Place: Yolo, CA
- Coordinates: 38.729515, -121.809806 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.7295&lon=-121.8098&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 6, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 29075
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX95LA163
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/29075/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX95LA163

## Probable cause

the pilot's improper preflight preparation which led to fuel exhaustion.

## 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 (cause)
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, emergency descent/landing
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - open field
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven

## Analysis

AROUND 1910, THE PILOT AND PASSENGER DEPARTED FROM LAKEPORT FOR A PERSONAL FLIGHT TO AN UNSPECIFIED DESTINATION.  AFTER FLYING FOR ABOUT 38 MINUTES, THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A ROUGH DIRT FIELD, AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. ACCORDING TO A RESPONDING SHERIFF DEPUTY, THE PILOT STATED THAT HE RAN OUT OF FUEL.

## Factual narrative

On April 16, 1995, at 1948 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 172M, N80187, operated by the American Aero Club, experienced a total loss of engine power while cruising near Yolo, California.  The pilot made a forced landing in a rough dirt field and nosed over.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight.  The private pilot received minor injuries, and the passenger was not injured.  The flight originated from Lakeport, California, at 1910.

According to a responding sheriff deputy, the pilot reported that he ran out of fuel.  No evidence of fuel was observed in the airplane.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N80187](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N80187), registered now, S/N 17266431, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 172M
- Registry model: [Cessna 172M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-172m) (registry code 2072418) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 17266431
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: American Aero Club
- Registered owner: Sacramento Aero Services, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 1O2, LAKEPORT, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: left; flight hours: 600 total, 150 in this make and model, 500 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °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 19950416008109A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19950416008109A), Apr 16, 1995: Cessna 172M, Yolo, CA, Substantial damage. Lost power at cruise. Landed rough field. Nosed over. Pilot reported fuel depletion. Fuel tanks found 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.

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