CESSNA 150J
Wheatland, WY — July 13, 2011
Event Information
| Date | July 13, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA327 |
| Event ID | 20110714X55933 |
| Location | Wheatland, WY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 41.93555, -104.85333 |
| Airport | None |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 150J |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight with known equipment deficiencies.
Full Narrative
After takeoff the pilot noticed that the airplane's battery was not operating and elected to continue the flight without the use of his left and right fuel gauge indicators, as required for flight under visual flight rules by CFR Part 91.205(b)(9). The pilot reported that 12 miles to the south of his intended destination, his engine sputtered and quit. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a road and the airplane touched down nose wheel first and nosed over, coming to a rest inverted. The fuselage, wings, and rudder sustained substantial damage. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane post accident, the fuel caps made a hissing noise when initially removed and there was no fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal flight.
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.