CESSNA 150H
Knoxville, TN — December 26, 2011
Event Information
| Date | December 26, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA125 |
| Event ID | 20111226X10824 |
| Location | Knoxville, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 35.90750, -83.91944 |
| Airport | Sanders Field |
| Highest Injury | SERS |
Aircraft
| Make | CESSNA |
| Model | 150H |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 1 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 1 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot, about 300 feet above ground level, a total engine power loss occurred. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restart the engine and performed a forced landing into trees. The wings and fuselage of the airplane were substantially damaged. A subsequent examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuel tanks remained intact and were not breached, and contained about two gallons of fuel in each tank. The airplane was equipped with two 19-gallon wing tanks with a total fuel capacity of 38 gallons; of which, 35 gallons are usable. Further examination of the engine revealed that there was no fuel present in the fuel lines or the fuel separator on the engine. The inspector found no preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.
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.