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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 19, 1999 · Cessna 152 · N49014

Rockville, VA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Rockville, VA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N49014
Operator
Erik Michalski
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC99LA207

The pilot departed for an estimated 2.5 hour cross-country flight. During the flight, the pilot calculated the airplane would have over an extra hour of fuel onboard after the total trip, and he flew an additional .75 hours. While returning to the departure airport, the airplane experienced a partial power loss, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane's left wing struck a telephone pole, and the empennage contacted a fence. Examination of the wreckage revealed no fuel in the airplane's left fuel tank, and about 1/2 gallon remained in the right fuel tank. After fuel was supplied to the engine fuel lines, the engine started and performed satisfactorily. Review of the airplane's rental log, and Hobbs meter revealed the airplane had been operated for 3.4 hours. According to the Airplane Operating Manual, the airplane's total fuel capacity was 26 gallons, of which 1 1/2 gallons were unusable. Additionally, the airplane's endurance chart indicated about 3.4 hours of endurance at 75 percent power.

NTSB Probable Cause

Fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's improper in-flight planning/decision.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 1999, about 1720 Eastern Daylight Time, a Cessna 152, N49014, was substantially damaged during a forced landing in Rockville, Virginia. The certificated private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the flight that originated at the Hanover County Municipal Airport (OFP), Ashland, Virginia, about 1355. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he departed OFP with full fuel for a flight to the Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport (SHD), Weyers Cave, Virginia. The pilot calculated that approximately 15 gallons of fuel would be consumed for the estimated 2.5 hour flight. After he reached the Shenandoah Valley, the pilot calculated the airplane would have over an extra hour of fuel onboard after the total trip, and he flew an additional .75 hours. The pilot performed a touch and go at SHD and then departed the area for OFP. While en route to OFP, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power, which was followed by a total loss of engine power. During the ensuing forced landing, the airplane's left wing struck a telephone pole, and the empennage contacted a fence. Examination of the wreckage was performed by a Federal Aviation Administration Inspector. During disassembly of the airplane, no fuel was found in the airplane's left fuel tank, and about 1/2 gallon remained in the right fuel tank. Neither fuel tank had been compromised during the accident. After fuel was supplied to the engine fuel lines, the engine started and performed satisfactorily. Review of the airplane's rental log and Hobbs meter, revealed the airplane had been operated for 3.4 hours. According to the Airplane Operating Manual, the airplane's total fuel capacity was 26 gallons, of which 1 1/2 gallons were unusable. Additionally, the airplane's endurance chart indicated about 3.4 hours of endurance at 75 percent power.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:20 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN49014
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorErik Michalski
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 26 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time21:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data