Cessna 172 runs out of fuel during a lesson

[danny_galaga]

https://generalaviationnews.com/2025/03/26/cessna-172-runs-out-of-fuel-during-flight-lesson/

[ClintonB]

It will be good the student will take away a good learning point from this and not have it happen ever again

[Moneybox]

During my lessons on every downwind leg of the circuit I had to make the radio call to the tower stating my intentions, then go through the checks, brakes firm, seat belts tight, fuel in each tank (swap if necessary), oil pressure, temperature etc. It was highly unlikely we could ever run out of fuel.

[danny_galaga]

11 hours ago, Moneybox said:

During my lessons on every downwind leg of the circuit I had to make the radio call to the tower stating my intentions, then go through the checks, brakes firm, seat belts tight, fuel in each tank (swap if necessary), oil pressure, temperature etc. It was highly unlikely we could ever run out of fuel.

Doesn't seem like they were in a circuit though.

[skippydiesel]

I try not to be too critical of others misfortune - we know the cause (no fuel) but we didnt get to read what lead up to the loss of power.

 

I have been lucky; Years ago, despite careful flight planning, unexpectedly/unforecast strong headwinds, had a drastic effect on my ground speed. After some inflight guesstimates, I decided my fuel situation was just too marginal to continue as planned. I diverted to a field some distance from my planned track.  It was late in the day but luckily a "Good Samaritan" was working back and had 20 Litres of fresh 98RON on hand.  On arrival at my planned destination - I still had that fresh 20L in the tank, but no more. 😈