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NTSB Report
November 9, 1986 · Cessna 150L · N5360Q
Elk Grove, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 9, 1986
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Elk Grove, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 150L
Tail Number
N5360Q
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87LA036
AS THE PLT WAS RETURNING FROM A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, THEN RESTARTED. THE PLT CHECKED THE FUEL GAUGES WHICH INDICATED ONE TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE OTHER WAS 1/4 FULL. AT ABOUT 1-1/2 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DURING A FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH ABOUT 300 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. AN EXAM OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT DID NOT ALLOW FOR UNUSABLE FUEL DURING HIS FUEL CALCULATIONS.
Full Narrative
AS THE PLT WAS RETURNING FROM A LOCAL FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER FOR ABOUT 15 SECONDS, THEN RESTARTED. THE PLT CHECKED THE FUEL GAUGES WHICH INDICATED ONE TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE OTHER WAS 1/4 FULL. AT ABOUT 1-1/2 MILES FROM THE AIRPORT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER AGAIN AND WOULD NOT RESTART. DURING A FORCED LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH ABOUT 300 FEET SHORT OF THE RUNWAY. AN EXAM OF THE AIRCRAFT REVEALED BOTH FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY. REPORTEDLY, THE PLT DID NOT ALLOW FOR UNUSABLE FUEL DURING HIS FUEL CALCULATIONS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 PST
Nearest AirportSunset Skyranch (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length2800 ft
Runway Width32 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftCessna 150L
Tail NumberN5360Q
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 28 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind290° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 / 28 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time00:48
Weather SourceWFAC