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NTSB Report

February 4, 2018 · Cessna 150 J · N61024

El Dorado, KS

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 4, 2018
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
El Dorado, KS
Aircraft
Cessna 150 J (1969)
Tail Number
N61024
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA18CA124

The pilot reported that, en route, he noticed a drop in the engine's rpm. He noted that the fuel shutoff valve was open, and the gas gauges showed half full in the right tank and quarter full in the left tank. He added that the carburetor heat was off, the mixture was full rich, and then the engine quit running. During the third attempt to restart the engine, it briefly started and then quit again. Subsequently, during an off-airport landing in a field, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added that he had filled the gas "to the top" (22.5 gallons) before departure and had flown for 3.7 hours. The 1969 Cessna 150 owner's manual states that the airplane's maximum range was 4.1 hours with no reserve at 75% power at 7,000 ft. The pilot further reported in a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge that he did not consult the emergency checklist because it was placed in the glovebox. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors drained the fuel tanks about 5 days after the accident and reported that there was no evidence of fuel leakage around the fuel caps or on the ground. They drained about 8 to 12 ounces from the left wing tank and about 3/4 of a gallon from the right wing tank. The FAA inspectors added that the engine showed proper continuity, and the magnetos were operational. The engine was not run due to a fractured intake manifold just above the carburetor base flange. The fracture damage to the intake manifold was consistent with impact damage.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion and a subsequent off-airport landing and nose-over.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that en route, he noticed a drop in the airplane's engine RPM. He noted that the fuel shut off valve was open, and the gas gauges showed half full in the right tank and quarter full in the left tank. He added that the carburetor heat was off, the mixture was full rich, and then the engine quit running. During the third attempt to restart the engine, it briefly started and then quit again. Subsequently, during an off-airport landing in a field, the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the empennage and fuselage. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. He added, that he had filled the gas "to the top" (22.5 gallons) prior to departure and had flown for 3.7 hours. The 1969 Cessna 150 owner's manual states that the airplane's maximum range was 4.1 hours with no reserve at 75% power at 7,000 ft. The pilot further reported in a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge that, he did not consult the emergency checklist as it was placed in the glovebox. FAA inspectors drained the fuel tanks about 5 days after the accident and reported that there was no evidence of fuel leakage around the fuel caps or on the ground. They drained about 8-12 ounces from the left wing tank and about ¾ of a gallon from the right wing tank. The FAA added that the engine showed proper continuity and the magnetos were operational. The engine was not run due to a fractured intake manifold just above the carburetor base flange. The fracture damage to the intake manifold was consistent with impact damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:30 CST
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150 J
Tail NumberN61024
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-200 SERIES · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 9 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 28 C
Altimeter29.77 inHg
Observation Time23:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data