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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

July 28, 1996 · Cessna 152 · N65530

Castine, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 28, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Castine, ME
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N65530
Operator
Roger E Johnson
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC96LA160

The student pilot reported that when he departed, the fuel tanks were about half-full. After being airborne for about 40 minutes, the engine lost power. During a forced landing on soft terrain, the airplane nosed over and was substantially damaged. The student pilot reported that the fuel gauges read one-quarter full when the power loss occurred. Examination of the airplane revealed the fuel tanks were empty, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill or leakage. A test of the fuel gauges disclosed the gauges indicated empty when the tanks were empty.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper planning/decision, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power, due to an inadequate supply of fuel. Factors relating to the accident were: false indication from the fuel quantity gauge, and soft terrain in the emergency landing area.

Full Narrative

On July 28, 1996, about 1630 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N65530, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Castine, Maine. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local solo training flight originated at Belfast, Maine and was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. In the NTSB Accident Report, the pilot stated: "...About 1550 local time I left Belfast, ME, for a short local solo training flight. The weather was clear and wind was light, out of the northwest. I checked fuel, both by fuel gauges and by visually looking in both tanks. It appeared to be about 1/2 full or approximately 12 gals. While over Castine and headed back toward Belfast, the engine stopped around 2000 or 2500 feet msl. I established best glide speed, picked a field, applied carbheat, mixture and rocked wings, there was momentary restart. I cycled primer and had another restart. I landed in a field, the hay was high and the field was very wet. The airplane nosed over...." An FAA Airworthiness Inspector from the Portland Flight Standards District Office reported via telephone that his on-site examination of the airplane found that the fuel tanks were empty, and there was no evidence of a fuel spill on the ground, or evidence of fuel siphoning or leakage from the fuel tanks. According to a written report from an FAA Airworthiness Inspector: "...The student pilot stated that both fuel gauges read 1/4 full when fuel starvation was experienced...In summary the right fuel gauge tested slightly under 1/4 with 3.2 gallons capacity. The left fuel quantity gauge indicated considerably lower, with the same quantity of fuel...." Additionally the testing revealed that both fuel gauges read empty when the tanks were empty.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:30 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN65530
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorRoger E Johnson
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 47 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point54
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time20:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data