Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 152 near Melrose, FL — 2016-05-23

Final reportERA16LA193
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Date
2016-05-23
Location
Melrose, FL, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 152
Registration
N952SA
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB narrative

When the private pilot was about 1 hour into a cross-country personal flight, as the airplane was descending to the destination airport, the engine suddenly lost all power. The pilot prepared for an approach to a nearby field and attempted to restart the engine but was unsuccessful. The airplane came to rest upright in swampy terrain and sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and nose section. Examination of the wreckage after recovery revealed that both wing fuel tanks remained intact, and no fuel was observed in either fuel tank or the carburetor. Postaccident examination of the engine did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. Examination of the airplane's flight records, the fueling records, and the operator's account of the airplane's flight and fueling history revealed contradictory information that could not be reconciled, so the reason for the lack of fuel could not be determined.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
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Docket documents11

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