Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's improper preflight preparation which led to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
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.
Source record
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. -