Pilot Debrief

CESSNA 150J near Lacassine, LA — 2011-07-09

Final reportCEN11LA472
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Date
2011-07-09
Location
Lacassine, LA, USA
Aircraft
CESSNA 150J
Registration
N50575
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Cruise

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, as a result of the pilot's improper fuel planning.

NTSB narrative

Prior to departure, the pilot estimated that the airplane contained about 9 gallons of fuel; however, he did not perform a visual inspection of the fuel quantity. About 30 minutes after departure, the airplane’s engine lost power, and the pilot executed a forced landing to a cane field. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest in an inverted position. Following the accident, about 3 gallons of fuel were recovered from the airplane’s fuel tanks. The two fuel tanks were not compromised during the accident, and both fuel caps were securely fastened. In addition, there was no smell of fuel and no noticeable fuel blight on vegetation at the accident site. The airplane’s total capacity was 26 gallons of fuel, of which 21.5 gallons were usable. The remaining 4.5 gallons were considered unusable fuel. The postaccident examination revealed no mechanical anomalies with the airplane’s airframe or engine that would have prevented the airplane from operating normally.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Fuel management
First missed decision gate
Pilot did not visually check fuel before departure, leading to insufficient fuel for flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents3

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