Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150L near Perris, CA — 2017-12-25

Final reportWPR18LA056
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Date
2017-12-25
Location
Perris, CA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150L
Registration
N6627G
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

The presence of debris in the carburetor and blockage of the fuel delivery system, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel starvation. Contributing to the accident was the lack of maintenance to the carburetor.

NTSB narrative

Twenty-five minutes into the cross-country flight, the airplane's engine lost total power. After an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine, the pilot declared an emergency and selected a forced landing site. The airplane touched down on the soft terrain, nosed over, and came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the engine firewall, engine mounts, and empennage. Postaccident examination revealed that the fuel drain plug was blocked, and debris was found in the carburetor fuel bowl, both of which likely obstructed the fuel delivery system. This obstruction would have inhibited fuel flow to the engine and resulted in a loss of power. The fuel filters at the wing roots, fuel strainer, and carburetor fuel inlet were not obstructed, but may have been cleaned during the airplane's most recent annual inspection, which took place 47 flight hours before the accident. The carburetor had not been overhauled or inspected in its history of service.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Inspect carburetor and fuel system for debris and corrosion before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents9

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