NTSB Factual Report

On June 10, 2003, about 2140 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172H, N3027U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power in cruise flight near East Vincent Township, Pennsylvania. The certificated private pilot sustained minor injuries and the passenger was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the flight that departed New Castle County Airport (ILG), Wilmington, Delaware; destined for Pennridge Airport (N70), Perkasie, Pennsylvania. No flight plan was filed for the personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that earlier in the day, he "topped off" the fuel tanks and departed Perkasie. He flew to Reading, Pennsylvania, and then to Wilmington. After landing at Wilmington, the pilot did not shut down the engine. He taxied back to the runway, noted that the fuel gauges indicated half-full, and departed about 2130. About 2140, while in cruise flight at 2,500 feet msl, the engine began "missing," and did so for 15-20 seconds. During that time, the pilot climbed to 3,000 feet msl. The engine then went to idle power. The pilot applied carburetor heat, verified fuel quantity again, and verified that the fuel selector was positioned to "Both." However, the engine did not regain power. The pilot subsequently performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing, the nose gear struck soft ground, and the airplane flipped over.

According to the pilot's written statement, he did not add fuel prior to his initial departure because the fuel tanks were full. However, according to a witness at N70, the airplane did not initially depart with full fuel. Prior to the initial departure, the pilot and passenger inquired about purchasing fuel. No personnel at a local fixed based operator were immediately available to service the airplane, but an airport employee offered to fuel the airplane. The witness added that the pilot and passenger subsequently declined the fueling offer, and departed with the fuel tanks about half full according to the aircraft rental log.

The pilot also stated that he flew for a total of 1 hour, 30 minutes before the power loss. However, the witness stated that according to the tachometer, the airplane flew 2 hours, 10 minutes before the power loss.

An examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that the left wing was bent aft. The inspector did not find any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. He noted that the fuel tanks were not compromised during the impact, and that no fuel remained in the fuel tanks. The inspector did not observe any discoloration to the vegetation in the vicinity of the wreckage.

Further examination of the engine revealed no fuel in the fuel strainer or carburetor. The inspector rotated the propeller by hand. He obtained thumb compression on all cylinders, and confirmed valve train continuity. In addition, the magnetos produced spark at all leads.

After two written requests, the pilot in command failed to complete and return the National Transportation Safety Board Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/preparation which resulted in fuel exhaustion during cruise flight. The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation in which he failed to refuel the airplane is a contributing factor.