Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150M near Everett, WA — 2024-02-17

Final reportWPR24LA091
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Date
2024-02-17
Location
Everett, WA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150M
Registration
N3538V
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported the airplane contained 10 gallons of fuel before departing for a local area flight. At the conclusion of the flight, and while on final approach for the destination airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power with the propeller windmilling. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and increased the mixture to full rich, but was unable to restore power, noting 2 gallons of fuel remaining which was below the amount of 2.5 gallons known to be unusable. The pilot executed a forced landing and impacted treed terrain substantially damaging the airplanes wings, fuselage and empennage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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