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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 26, 1994 · Cessna 150 · N6307S

Centralia, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 1994
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Centralia, IL
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N6307S
Operator
James R Mineer
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI94LA298

THE AIRPLANE DEPARTED ON A NIGHT VFR FLIGHT WITH FULL FUEL TANKS (22.5 GALLONS USABLE). THE PILOT CLIMBED TO 6500 FEET MSL, AND SET 2350 RPM. AFTER APPROXIMATELY 3.3 HOURS, IN A DESCENT TO THE DESTINATION AIRPORT, THE ENGINE STOPPED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A HOUSE DURING THE FORCED LANDING. POST CRASH INSPECTION REVEALED NO USABLE FUEL ON BOARD, AND NO EVIDENCE OF AN IN FLIGHT LEAK. THE PILOT STATED HE BELIEVED HE IMPROPERLY LEANED THE MIXTURE, RESULTING IN A HIGHER THAN FORECAST FUEL CONSUMPTION.

NTSB Probable Cause

fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilots improper fuel calculation and improper use of fuel mixture.

Full Narrative

On August 25, 1994, at 2215 hours central daylight time, a Cessna 150, N6307S, operated by James Mineer of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, impacted a residence 1/4 mile short of the Centralia Municipal Airport, Centralia, Illinois, and was substantially damaged. The instrument rated commercial pilot received minor injuries and no fire occurred. No injuries occurred to persons on the ground. Night visual meteorological condition existed at the time of the accident and no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 and originated from the Big Sandy Regional Airport, Prestonburg, Kentucky, at 1900 hours central daylight time. The airplane was refueled with 16.1 gallons of 100LL aviation gasoline and was described as "topped off" by servicing personnel at the Big Sandy Regional Airport the afternoon of August 25, 1994. Fuel capacity of the airplane was 26.0 gallons, of which 22.5 gallons is usable. The pilot reported that had climbed to 6,500 feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL), and cruised at an engine power setting of 2,350 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM). His Global Positioning System (GPS) indicated a ground speed of 92 to 94 knots. The Cessna 150 cruise performance chart in the Pilot Operating Handbook indicates an estimated fuel burn of 4.0 gallons per hour at these settings when the fuel mixture is leaned to maximum RPM. The pilot stated that he must have improperly leaned the mixture, resulting in a higher than expected fuel consumption rate. The pilot reported that the engine stopped while at 3,000 feet, 5 miles from the destination airport, he was unable to restart it and unsuccessfully attempted to glide to the airport. A witness on the ground, who was the chief instructor pilot for a flight school at the Centralia airport, reported hearing the impact but no engine sound. Post crash inspection revealed 1 1/2 gallons of fuel remaining in the wing tanks, 1 pint of fuel in the belly strainer, no visible contaminants, and the fuel selector valve in the "ON" position. No fuel leakage was evident at the accident site. No evidence of fuel venting or leakage was found, and the fuel vents were unobstructed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time22:15 CDT
Nearest Airport1nm E
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN6307S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames R Mineer
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 19 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightBright Night
Wind360°
Visibility4 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F / 57
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time03:34
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data