# NTSB Accident LAX02LA296
> **Whetzel Thorpe T-18** · 2002-09-25 · Valley Center, CA, USA · MINR
## Event
- **NTSB number:** LAX02LA296
- **Event ID:** 20020927X05231
- **Type:** Accident
- **Date:** 2002-09-25
- **Location:** Valley Center, CA, USA
- **Coordinates:** 33.258335, -117.083335
## Injuries
- **Highest injury:** MINR
- **Fatal:** 0
- **Serious:** 0
- **Minor:** 1
- **Uninjured:** 0
- **Total aboard:** 1
## Aircraft
- **Make:** Whetzel
- **Model:** Thorpe T-18
- **Registration:** N60LW
- **FAR Part:** 091
- **Engines:** 1
- **Damage:** SUBS
## Conditions
- **Light:** DAYL
- **Weather:** VMC
## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation by not verifying the fuel supply, and his inadequate in-flight planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.  A factor in the accident was the pilot's decision to initiate flight with a known equipment deficiency (inoperative fuel quantity gauge).

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*Source: [NTSB CAROL](https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-main-public/basic-search?source=ntsb&type=event&ntsb_number=LAX02LA296) · AI Analytics · CC0 1.0*