Accident Cessna 175 N7463M, Friday 11 September 1998

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Date:	Friday 11 September 1998
Time:	13:30 LT
Type:	Cessna 175
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N7463M
MSN:	55763
Total airframe hrs:	1430 hours
Engine model:	Continental GO-300-E
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 1
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Emmett, ID - United States of America
Phase:	Initial climb
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Emmett, ID (S78)
Destination airport:	Caldwell, ID (KEUL)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The aircraft experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff approximately 200 feet above ground level. The airplane struck a barbed wire fence during the ensuing forced landing and nosed over. The pilot indicated on the NTSB accident report that the power loss was due to fuel starvation, giving as a recommendation to prevent the accident, 'Don't fly when tanks are under one quarter full.' The pilot reported that the engine was successfully test-run after the accident after a new propeller was installed. The aircraft owner's manual gives the aircraft's total fuel capacity as 52 gallons, with 43 gallons being usable.

Probable Cause: The pilot's failure to ensure an adequate fuel supply for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was a fence in the forced landing area.

Accident investigation: