Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to flight.
NTSB analysis
The commercial pilot was 500 feet above ground level on approach to his destination airport when the single-engine airplane lost power. The pilot made a forced landing to a rain-soaked field approximately 8 miles north of the runway. On touchdown the nose gear sank into the muddy terrain and collapsed. According to the pilot the airplane had approximately 15 gallons of fuel on board upon departure. An on-scene inspection of the fuel tanks indicated 2 1/2 gallons in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank. The aircraft manual states 1 1/2 gallons of fuel is unusable in the tanks. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09CA280 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 3, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Opelousas, Louisiana
- Nearest airport
- St Landry Parish Airport (KOPL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 152
- N-number
- N4590K
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.