Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA96LA023

SALTILLO, MS, USA

Aircraft #1

N61040

CESSNA 150

Analysis

THE PRIVATE PILOT WAS FERRYING THE AIRPLANE AND EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER NINE MILES FROM HIS DESTINATION. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A FIELD AND THE NOSE GEAR COLLAPSED ON LANDING ROLL. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED ONE FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE OTHER HAD ABOUT 1/2 GALLON OF FUEL. NO EVIDENCE OF FUEL LEAKAGE NOR SIPHONING WAS FOUND. THE DURATION OF THE FLIGHT WAS ABOUT 3 HOURS 33 MINUTES.

Factual Information

On November 13, 1995, about 0938 central standard time, N61040, a Cessna 150, crashed in a field near Saltillo, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 ferry flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the flight. The private-rated pilot reported no injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight originated from Knoxville, Tennessee, about 3 hours 33 minutes earlier. The pilot stated his destination was Tupelo, Mississippi, and while in cruise the engine lost total power. He initiated a forced landing to a field and during the landing roll the nose gear collapsed, damaging the firewall. Examination of the airplane by FAA personnel revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank had less than a gallon of fuel. There was no evidence of fuel leakage nor siphoning.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO PERFORM FUEL COMSUMPTION CALCULATIONS BEFORE AND DURING THE FLIGHT.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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