Investigation number
199501838
Occurrence date
Location
75 km north of Jericho
State
Queensland
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Aviation occurrence category
Fuel starvation
Occurrence class
Accident

The pilot reported that he had refuelled the aircraft to full tanks on the day prior to the accident. He intended to carry out some cattle spotting on the way to Eastmere where he intended to refuel. After circling some cattle, he had headed for Eastmere and noticed that the right hand fuel gauge was indicating near empty. He then selected the left tank and shortly after the engine stopped.

The pilot reported that his only option was to attempt a landing, as he was at low altitude. During the landing the aircraft struck trees, the nose gear was torn off and the engine mounts were broken. The aircraft had been flown for approximately 4 hours since the last refuel. It was not determined whether the aircraft had run out of fuel, or the fuel tank outlets had been uncovered, allowing air into the fuel system, during a turn.

Aircraft Details
Manufacturer
Cessna Aircraft Company
Model
172C
Registration
VH-CNQ
Sector
Piston
Departure point
Wirralee Station QLD
Destination
Eastlake Station QLD
Damage
Substantial