Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150H near Knoxville, TN — 2011-12-26

Final reportERA12CA125
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Date
2011-12-26
Location
Knoxville, TN, USA
Airport
NONE
Aircraft
CESSNA 150H
Registration
N22565
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, about 300 feet above ground level, a total engine power loss occurred. The pilot attempted to restart the engine unsuccessfully and performed a forced landing into trees. The wings and fuselage of the airplane were substantially damaged. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the fuel tanks remained intact and were not breached and that each tank contained about 2 gallons of fuel. The airplane was equipped with two 19-gallon wing tanks with a total fuel capacity of 38 gallons, of which 35 gallons were usable. Examination of the engine revealed that no fuel was present in the fuel lines or the fuel separator. There was no evidence of preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 5 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents5

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