The flight instructor told investigators he planned to complete back-to-back flight lessons with two students.
His students completed the preflight inspection of the Cessna 172 and each tank measured about half full. The flight instructor verified that the fuel gauges indicated sufficient fuel for both lessons.
During the second flight lesson with a student pilot at the controls, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power.
The CFI took control of the airplane and force-landed on a golf course near Lewiston, Idaho.
The airplane hit trees during the landing, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
The flight instructor told investigators the airplane ran out of fuel.
Probable Cause: The flight instructor’s inadequate fuel planning and improper in-flight decision-making, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB Identification: 106883
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This March 2023 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
