Primary finding
Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported the engine lost power as he descended to enter the traffic pattern for landing. His efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he executed a forced landing to an open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination revealed no fuel in either fuel tank; however, fuel was present in the fuel lines. The engine was started at the accident site, and it ran for 45 seconds before it shut down. Temporary repairs were made to the right wing, fuel was added to the fuel tanks, and the airplane was ferried to an airport for further repairs. The engine operated normally during the flight. Based on the available information, it is likely that the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 28, 2020, about 2000 central standard time, a Cessna 172H, N3702R, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Cypress, Texas. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported that the engine lost power as he descended to enter the traffic pattern for landing. His efforts to restore engine power were unsuccessful and he executed a forced landing to an open field, which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing. A postaccident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed no fuel in either fuel tank. The operator reported that there was no fuel in either fuel tank but there was fuel in the lines and gascolator. The engine was started and ran normally for about 45 seconds at the accident site. A temporary repair to the right wing was completed, fuel was added to the fuel tanks, and the airplane was ferried to an airport for permanent repairs. The engine performed normally during the ferry flight.