CESSNA 150
Wasilla, AK — August 31, 2017
Event Information
| Date | August 31, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA542 |
| Event ID | 20170831X11632 |
| Location | Wasilla, AK |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 61.56805, -149.55222 |
| Airport | WASILLA |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 150 |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The student pilot’s inadequate in-flight fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion, the subsequent total loss of engine power, and a forced off-airport landing.
Full Narrative
The solo student pilot reported that on a cross country flight she diverted to a closer airport because the airplane was low on fuel. She added that she executed a go-around after a high approach, but when she advanced the throttle forward, the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. She landed the airplane straight ahead in brush.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
A postaccident examination revealed that the airplane had less than the 3.5 unusable gallons of fuel.
The student pilot reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.