CESSNA 150F near Fort Wayne, IN — 2015-09-26

Probable cause

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

NTSB narrative

The private pilot stated that he departed on a series of local flights with about 1 hour, 10 minutes of fuel onboard. The pilot stated that he made two 15-minute flights, and, about 1 minute after takeoff on the third flight, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot performed a forced landing, during which the airplane struck a power line, a house, and terrain. Examination of the fuel tanks revealed no useable fuel; neither tank was breached during the accident. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. Therefore, it is likely that the pilot miscalculated the total amount of fuel onboard and, thus, the total flight time before fuel exhaustion.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Fuel management

First missed decision gate

Pilot could have added more fuel before takeoff to ensure adequate supply.

NTSB coding

• Fuel exhaustion · Enroute-climb to cruise
• Planning / Preparation

Evidence available

• 5 docket documents

Docket documents5

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Airplane Owner's Manual - Fuel System Excerptother
• Copies of Pilot Logbook Received from Pilot's Attorneyother
• Record of Correspondence - Aircraft Recoveryother
• Record of Correspondence - FAAother

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