KATY, TX, USA
N7746U
CESSNA 172E
THE PILOT DEPARTED ON THE NIGHT CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ESTABLISHING NIGHT CURRENCY. DURING THE RETURN LEG THE PILOT STOPPED AT THREE AIRPORTS, BUT WAS UNABLE TO FUEL BECAUSE FIXED BASE OPERATORS WERE CLOSED. IN AN EFFORT TO RETURN TO THE POINT OF DEPARTURE THE PILOT OVERFLEW THE DESTINATION BECAUSE AIRPORT LIGHTING WAS SECURED AT 2300. WHILE ON FINAL APPROACH TO A LIGHTED PRIVATE STRIP THE FUEL EXHAUSTION INDUCED POWER LOSS OCCURRED. DURING THE FORCED LANDING THE LEFT WING STRUCK A POWER LINE AND THE AIRPLANE COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN NOSE GEAR FIRST.
FUEL EXHAUSTION INDUCED POWER LOSS, WHICH NECESSITATED THE FORCED LANDING. CONTRIBUTING TO THIS ACCIDENT WAS THE PILOT'S DECISION TO ATTEMPT TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO REFUEL, AND BECOMING LOST DURING THAT EFFORT.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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