Fuel exhaustion — Cessna 182T, Western Australia

Summary

A privately operated Cessna 182T conducting a cross-country flight from Carnarvon to Meekatharra experienced total engine failure due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot conducted a forced landing in scrubland terrain. The aircraft sustained substantial damage; the pilot sustained minor injuries.

Investigation Findings (5)

1. 01Fuel state at departure was confirmed as full by the pilot, but ground staff noted only a partial refuel had been completed.
2. 02Pre-flight fuel calculation did not account for headwinds exceeding forecast values.
3. 03The pilot did not land at Gascoyne Junction as planned due to overconfidence in fuel state.
4. 04ATSB identified inadequate fuel planning as the primary causal factor.
5. 05Contributing factor: failure to cross-check dipstick fuel measurement against cockpit fuel gauges.