Jay, FL, USA
N1425Y
Cessna 172C
The pilot stated that the engine stopped and he elected to land in a cotton field. As the airplane flew under electrical power lines during the approach to the field, it impacted bushes and a fence before coming to a stop. Both wings and windshield were damaged due to the impact. The mechanic that was instructed by the FAA representative to examine the airplane at the accident site stated that the fuel selector valve was found half way between the "both" and "right" fuel tank. The left fuel tank was empty when inspected. About one gallon of clean fuel was drained from the right fuel tank. No presence of fuel was found in the carburetor when inspected. There were no indications of a fuel leak, breach of fuel tanks, nor discrepancies with the fuel system.
On October 7, 2006, about 0920 central daylight time, a Cessna 172C, N1425Y, registered to and operated by a private individual, as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, impacted a fence during a forced landing near Jay, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private-rated pilot received minor injuries and the airplane incurred substantial damage. The flight originated from the Brewton Municipal Airport, Brewton, Alabama earlier that day, about 0840. The pilot stated the engine stopped and he elected to land in a cotton field. As the airplane flew under electrical power lines during the approach to the field, it impacted bushes and a fence before coming to a stop. Both wings and windshield were damaged due to the impact. The mechanic that was instructed by the FAA representative to examine the airplane at the accident site stated that the fuel selector valve was found half way between the "both" and "right" fuel tank. The left fuel tank was empty when inspected. About one gallon of clean fuel was drained from the right fuel tank. No presence of fuel was found in the carburetor when inspected. There were no indications of a fuel leak, breach of fuel tanks, nor discrepancies with the fuel system.
The pilot's improper in-flight planning and decision resulting in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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