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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, 1997 · Cessna 152 · N6216Q

West Palm Beach, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
West Palm Beach, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N6216Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL97LA125

The commercial-rated, student pilot stated that they landed the airplane at Orlando Executive Airport to refuel, but found the FBO was closed. He was advised by his instructor (CFI) that he had sufficient fuel for the flight to Palm Beach. They flew to Melbourne International Airport to 'do a touch and go.' While en-route to Palm Beach, the engine lost power, and the CFI took control of the airplane. The CFI declared an emergency due to low fuel, and was vectored to North County Airport, but was unable to reach it. The CFI landed the airplane on a dirt road, and the airplane collided with a mailbox and trees.

NTSB Probable Cause

the flight instructor's (CFI's) inaccurate assessment of fuel available for the flight, and his improper in-flight planning/decision by continuing the training flight with minimal fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and loss of engine power.

Full Narrative

On August 26, 1997, about 0030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6216Q, force landed in a residential area and collided with terrain, 12 miles north-northwest of the Palm Beach International Airport, Florida. The airplane was operated by the commercial student pilot under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions existed, and no flight plan was filed for the local instructional flight. The instructor and student were not injured, and the airplane was substantially damaged. The student pilot stated that the engine had quit and they had to make a forced landing. The flight originated from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. The student pilot stated that they landed the airplane at Orlando Executive Airport to refuel, but found the FBO was closed. He was advised by his instructor that he had sufficient fuel for the flight to Palm Beach. They flew to Melbourne International Airport to "do a touch and go". While en-route to Palm Beach the engine quit and the instructor took control of the airplane and attempted restart procedures, but failed. The student pilot said, the instructor declared an emergency due to low fuel and was vectored to North County airport, but was unable to make it. The instructor landed the airplane on a dirt road and collided with a mailbox, and trees.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time00:30 EDT
Nearest AirportNorth County (2nm NE)
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN6216Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 25 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data