Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150 near Falmouth, KY — 2008-09-28

Final reportMIA08LA204
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Date
2008-09-28
Location
Falmouth, KY, USA
Airport
K62
Aircraft
CESSNA 150
Registration
N4477U
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that, on the day before the accident, the airplane had about one-quarter to one-half tank of fuel, and the pilot fueled the airplane with 8 gallons of fuel. He then flew the airplane about 45 minutes, leaving a net increase of 3 gallons of fuel. On the day of the accident, the pilot visually checked the fuel tanks and the fuel gauges which indicated that each tank was about one-half full. Shortly after takeoff, the engine lost power and the pilot made a forced landing into a stand of trees. Examination of the airframe and engine did not reveal any evidence of any preexisting mechanical malfunction or failure that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the accident site found no evidence of fuel odor. However, two witnesses stated that when the airplane was removed from the accident site, a substantial amount of fuel drained out of one of the fuel tanks. Based on the design of the fuel system, the wings likely contained nearly equal amounts of fuel at the time of the accident. Furthermore, based on the fuel consumption chart in the pilot operating handbook, the airplane had sufficient fuel to make this flight.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have ensured adequate fuel before takeoff.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents24

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