Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150E near Silver Springs, NV — 2015-01-25

Final reportWPR15LA090
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Date
2015-01-25
Location
Silver Springs, NV, USA
Airport
SPZ
Aircraft
CESSNA 150E
Registration
N4017U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

The loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined during a postaccident examination of the airplane.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, before takeoff for the cross-country flight, the airplane had been topped off with fuel and had a total of 24 gallons onboard. During the descent for landing, the engine lost power. The pilot adjusted the mixture and throttle controls, and the engine regained power. About 10 to 15 minutes later, while continuing the descent, he noted that both fuel gauges indicated about one-quarter of a tank of fuel. Shortly after, the engine again lost power. The pilot's attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The airplane was unable to reach the runway, and the pilot landed the airplane in an open field adjacent to the airport. During the landing roll, the airplane struck the airport perimeter fence and came to rest upright. Immediately following the accident, no evidence of any fuel leaks was observed. The airplane was left unattended until the following day, at which time, about 2 quarts of fuel was removed from the left wing fuel tank, and about 1 quart of fuel was removed from the right wing fuel tank. No fuel was present within the airframe fuel strainer. Performance calculations indicated that, if proper leaning procedures were used, the flight would have required about 17.5 gallons of fuel and that about 5 gallons of usable fuel should have been remaining after the airplane reached its destination. The investigation was unable to determine why so little fuel remained in the airplane after the accident. After the airplane was recovered, an alternate fuel source was plumbed to the left wing inlet line. The engine successfully started; due to damage sustained to the propeller, the engine was run at a reduced power setting, and it ran for 5 minutes. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before descent to ensure adequate fuel for landing.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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