NTSB Factual Report

On March 21, 2003, about 1709 central standard time, a Cessna 172P, N89811, registered to and operated by the Pensacola Navy Flying Club, Inc., as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, incurred a loss of engine power, while in cruise flight in the vicinity of Potts Camp, Mississippi. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a visual flight rules flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot and two passengers received no injuries, and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated in Pensacola, Florida, the same day, about 1435.

The pilot stated that he planned the flight from Pensacola, Florida, to Olive Branch, Mississippi, examining the weather, and was prepared to make one of three fuel stops, depending on the actual winds aloft. He said that after having planned the flight at home, he then stopped by the Pensacola Navy Flying Club, about 1200, to ensure the airplane would be available for the flight. At that time, he said he checked the fuel level, and determined that the airplane was full of fuel. He said he then went home filed a VFR flight plan, checked the weather again, and returned to the airplane at 1400, along with his wife and son. He said he then performed a thorough preflight inspection, observed the fuel level again, and once again determined that he did not need to call the fixed-base operator, Pensacola Aviation Inc., for fuel. He said the remaining preparations, as well as the taxi, takeoff, and initial cruise phases were normal. About 5 minutes prior to the accident, while scanning the airplane instruments, the pilot said he was surprised to find that the fuel gauges were indicating below the 5-gallon mark for each tank. After monitoring the gauges, and seeing them stabilize, he again said he started to feel confident in his calculations. He calculated his position, and prepared for a landing at Holly Springs, Mississippi, and about 14 miles south of Holly Springs, in the vicinity of Potts Camp, Mississippi, he said the engine ceased operating. He said he established best glide speed, while looking for and selecting a field where he could execute a forced landing. He further stated that as the airplane was descending he attempted to restart the engine, but was unsuccessful. During the approach to the field he had selected, he noticed utility wires, and maneuvered to avoid them, and was able to land, but during the landing rollout the airplane's nose wheel became entangled in a wire fence, and the airplane slid, coming to rest in a small ditch, incurring damage.

An FAA inspector responded to the accident and noted that no fuel was present in the airplane. After recovery from the field, an FAA licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic, under the supervision of the inspector, conducted an examination of the airframe and engine, and no anomalies were found. When fuel was provided, and the damaged propeller replaced, the engine operated normally.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion, a forced landing to a field, and damage to the airplane during the landing rollout.