Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary ATL96LA009

CHARLOTTE, NC, USA

Aircraft #1

N7157F

CESSNA 150F

Analysis

Upon arriving at the destination airport, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. He made a forced landing to a nearby road and collided with the median and planted trees. During the wreckage examination, approximately one gallon of fuel was recovered from the fuel system. The pilot had flown three hours and fifteen minutes before the loss of power was experienced.

Factual Information

On October 21, 1995, at 1933 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150F, N7157F, collided with the median of a local street while attempting an emergency landing two miles northeast of Charlotte, North Carolina. The personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot was not injured. The flight departed Manassas, Virginia, at 1615 hours. The flight was on a final approach to runway 23 at the Charlotte/Douglas International Airport, when the pilot experienced a complete loss of engine power. The pilot selected a nearby paved street and attempted an emergency landing. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with the street median and planted trees. Approximately one gallon of aviation fuel was recovered from the aircraft fuel system during the wreckage examination. The pilot stated that the airplane was topped off with aviation fuel before he departed Manassas. With normal fuel conservation procedures employed, the Cessna 150 has an approximate fuel endurance of four hours. No mechanical problems with the airplane were reported by the pilot. The Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) was not received (see attached NTSB letter of request and U.S. Postal Service Receipt for Certified Mail).

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate preflight/planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion due to an inadequate fuel supply.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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