Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel planning which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that he checked the airplane’s fuel tanks and estimated that each tank was about a quarter full, or about 6 gallons of fuel total. He then added 3 gallons of fuel to each tank. The flight instructor reported that he did not check the fuel tanks after refueling, but the student stated that they had two hours of fuel on board. The flight then departed and conducted practice maneuvers for about an hour. After completing a maneuver, the engine started to sputter and then lost power. The instructor conducted a forced landing in a field. Examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane sustained substantial damage to the engine firewall and the nosewheel collapsed during the landing. Examination of the fuel tanks and lines found only residual fuel.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA343 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 10, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Franklin, Ohio
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150G
- N-number
- N3718J
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.