Premium research interface

The modern interface for aviation safety intelligence.

Search investigations, review source evidence, monitor watched reports, and trace long-term patterns from one calm, data-first workspace.

63k+
Reports indexed
1940-2026
Coverage
Recent
Last data refresh
Featured Report

Loading…

Loading featured report…

Loading…
Open Report

Safety trends by operating rule

Track fatal and non-fatal accident patterns across Part 91, Part 135, and Part 121 operations.

Loading trend charts…

Browse the aviation graph

Move quickly by aircraft, airport, operator, and time with indexes built for research, not wandering.

Last Data Update

By Decade

By Month

Aircraft Manufacturer

More manufacturers

Airports

More airports

Operators

More operators

About

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.

The goal is practical safety education: make it faster to find relevant investigations, compare similar events, review factual records, and understand the evidence behind probable-cause and preliminary reports.

The investigative work and source records belong to the National Transportation Safety Board and the published investigation record. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NTSB.

FAQs

NTSB Report

August 9, 2003 · Cessna 150K · N6501G

Anderson, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 9, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Anderson, MO
Aircraft
Cessna 150K
Tail Number
N6501G
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI03LA252

The aircraft was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a complete loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot stated that she was on a four-leg solo cross-country flight and was en route back to her original departure point when the accident occurred. The pilot reported that while en route she got a little disoriented. She reported that while in cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above sea level (MSL), "the engine started to sputter." The engine subsequently stopped producing power. She stated she applied carburetor heat and set up for a forced landing. During the course of the landing, the engine regained power briefly, according to the pilot. She reported she was not sure if the aircraft climbed during the time engine power was regained, or if the descent rate just leveled off. She stated that, while the engine was producing power, she turned to the right to avoid a tree line ahead of the aircraft. However, the engine again lost power and during the turn the aircraft impacted the ground. The pilot reported no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the loss of engine power. After the accident a total of 1-3/4 gallons of fuel was recovered from the aircraft. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Incident Report stated: "[The pilot] stated she believed her aircraft was out of fuel and she attempted to make an emergency landing." The aircraft owner's manual notes the unusable fuel quantity as 3-1/2 gallons. According to the pilot's logbook, she had accumulated 29.8 hours total flight time. Total solo flight time recorded was 1.0 hour and 5 landings.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot becoming lost/disoriented. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision.

Full Narrative

On August 8, 2003, at 2019 central daylight time, a Cessna 150K, N6501G, piloted by a student pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Anderson, Missouri. The solo cross-country instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight departed Neosho-Hugh Robinson Airport (EOS), Neosho, Missouri, at 1630 and was planning to return there after making landings at three intermediate airports. The pilot stated that her planned itinerary was a four-leg cross-country flight from EOS to Neveda (NVD), Stockton (MO3), Monett (M58), and then to return to EOS. She noted that she completed full stop landings at NVD and MO3, and taxied back for takeoff without shutting the engine down. The pilot reported that while en route to MO3 she got disoriented, finally approaching the airport from the east side of Stockton Lake. The airport (MO3) is located along the west side of the lake. The pilot reported landing at M58 at 1920. She noted she made a full stop landing and stopped to call her flight instructor and flight service. She stated that the aircraft was not refueled at that time. She recalled departing for EOS at 1940. The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above sea level (MSL) enroute to EOS, "the engine started to sputter." The engine subsequently stopped producing power. She stated that she applied carburetor heat and set up for a forced landing. During the course of the landing the engine regained power briefly, according to the pilot. She reported she was not sure if the aircraft climbed during the time engine power was regained or if the descent rate just leveled off. She stated that while the engine was producing power, she turned to the right to avoid a tree line ahead of the aircraft. However, the engine again lost power and during the turn the aircraft impacted the ground. The pilot reported no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the loss of engine power. A post-accident inspection was conducted. A total of 1-3/4 gallons of fuel was recovered from the aircraft. An examination of the engine verified continuity via crankshaft rotation. Compression was obtained at all cylinders. Each spark plug produced a spark when the crankshaft was rotated. Weather conditions enroute to EOS were "excellent" with unlimited visibility and clear skies, according to the pilot's statement. Conditions recorded at the Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), located 32 miles north of the accident site, at 1953, were clear skies, 10 miles visibility and surface winds from 070 degrees at 4 knots. Conditions recorded at 2053 were unchanged from the previous hour. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Incident Report stated: "[The pilot] stated she believed her aircraft was out of fuel and she attempted to make an emergency landing." The aircraft owner's manual notes the unusable fuel quantity as 3-1/2 gallons. According to the pilot's logbook, she had accumulated 29.8 hours total flight time. She began flight training in September 2001 and logged 16.7 hours through August 2002. Between August 2002 and June 2003 there were no entries. From June 2003 through August 2003, she logged an additional 13.1 hours. The pilot had a total solo flight time recorded of 1.0 hour and 5 landings.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time20:19 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150K
Tail NumberN6501G
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200-A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 51 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point66 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time00:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data