Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150 near St. Augustine, FL — 2025-07-11

Final reportERA25LA264
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Date
2025-07-11
Location
St. Augustine, FL, USA
Airport
SGJ
Aircraft
CESSNA 150
Registration
N8503G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
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

The pilot stated that he had just purchased the airplane and was flying it home on a long cross-country flight, with a planned fuel stop. During the flight, he experienced higher than planned headwinds and was rerouted for weather. He added that he did not calculate the additional fuel usage for the flight that was over 3.5 hours. During the approach to the planned fuel-stop airport, on short final for the runway, the engine lost all power. The pilot performed a forced landing on railroad tracks, resulting in substantial damage to both wings, the nose landing gear, and firewall. Examination by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed both fuel tanks were empty.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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