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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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March 20, 1989 · Cessna 152 · N49925

San Jose, CA

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
March 20, 1989
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
San Jose, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 152
Tail Number
N49925
Operator
Sierra Academy of Aeronautics
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
LAX89LA128

AT 1830 PST, THE PLT TOOK OFF FROM VAN NUYS, CA, ON A FLT TO OAKLAND, CA, WITH A PLANNED PASSENGER STOP AT HAYWARD, CA. HE STATED THAT AT ABOUT 2150 PST, BEFORE REACHING HAYWARD, THE ENG LOST POWER. HE TURNED TOWARD THE NEAREST ARPT, WHICH WAS AT SAN JOSE, CA, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT. DRG AN EMERG LANDING AT NIGHT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES & A BLDG, THEN CAME TO REST IN A PARKING LOT. DRG A POST-ACDNT EXAM OF THE ACFT, ONLY ABOUT 1-1/4 GAL OF FUEL WAS FOUND REMAINING.ACCORDING TO THE CESSNA OPERATING MANUAL, 1-1/2 GAL OF FUEL WAS CONSIDERED TO BE UNUSABLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ACFT AFTER THE ACDNT & NO MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED.

NTSB Probable Cause

IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION BY THE PILOT AND SUBSEQUENT FUEL EXHAUSTION. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: DARK NIGHT,TREES, AND THE BUILDING.

Full Narrative

AT 1830 PST, THE PLT TOOK OFF FROM VAN NUYS, CA, ON A FLT TO OAKLAND, CA, WITH A PLANNED PASSENGER STOP AT HAYWARD, CA. HE STATED THAT AT ABOUT 2150 PST, BEFORE REACHING HAYWARD, THE ENG LOST POWER. HE TURNED TOWARD THE NEAREST ARPT, WHICH WAS AT SAN JOSE, CA, BUT WAS UNABLE TO REACH IT. DRG AN EMERG LANDING AT NIGHT, THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH TREES & A BLDG, THEN CAME TO REST IN A PARKING LOT. DRG A POST-ACDNT EXAM OF THE ACFT, ONLY ABOUT 1-1/4 GAL OF FUEL WAS FOUND REMAINING.ACCORDING TO THE CESSNA OPERATING MANUAL, 1-1/2 GAL OF FUEL WAS CONSIDERED TO BE UNUSABLE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF FUEL LEAKAGE FROM THE ACFT AFTER THE ACDNT & NO MECHANICAL FAILURE OR MALFUNCTION WAS REPORTED.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time21:58 PST
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 152
Tail NumberN49925
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorSierra Academy of Aeronautics
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-L2C · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 23 · First Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDark Night
Wind300° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data