Primary finding
Probable cause
The inadequate preflight planning by the pilot-in-command to assure that adequate fuel was on-board the airplane to complete the flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power, forced landing and the collision with a tree on touchdown.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated he did not assure that he had adequate fuel for the intended flight and the engine failed due to fuel exhaustion. During the forced landing the airplane collided with a tree on touchdown.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 13, 1995, about 1445 eastern daylight time, N1520Y, a Cessna 172 crashed in a parking lot 3 miles east of Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The airplane was registered to Thomas Scott and was operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight by the pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot, the sole occupant, reported no injuries. The flight had originated from Marsh Harbor, Bahamas, about 1300 the same day. The pilot stated that he encountered headwinds on the flight and the engine failed on final approach, due to fuel exhaustion. The wreckage of the airplane came to rest in a partially vacant parking lot. FAA personnel examined the airplane and the accident scene and reported no fuel in the fuel system and no fuel on the ground. -