Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150G near Springdale, AR — 2011-02-12

Final reportCEN11LA188
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Date
2011-02-12
Location
Springdale, AR, USA
Airport
KASG
Aircraft
CESSNA 150G
Registration
N3257J
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

While on final approach to the destination airport, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane impacted terrain in a nose low attitude and came to rest adjacent to a fence, several hundred yards short of the runway, resulting in substantial damage. During the recovery of the airplane a total of 1.75 gallons of fuel was recovered from both wing fuel tanks. The fuel tanks had not been compromised and had an unusable fuel total of 3 gallons. The commercial pilot reported to law enforcement personnel that they had not refueled prior to the return flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Refueling before the return flight could have prevented fuel exhaustion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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