Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate maintenance and preflight of the airplane which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to oil starvation.
NTSB analysis
The airplane experienced a total loss of engine power during an enroute climb to cruise. The pilot performed a forced landing to a field where the airplane struck trees and sustained substantial damage. The pilot stated that he forgot to add engine oil during an oil change he performed on the airplane before the accident flight. He said he forgot to add the oil because he was rushed and had personal activities to perform. Examination of the airplane confirmed engine oil starvation. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no other mechanical anomalies that would have precluded airplane operation. The pilot held a private pilot certificate and a mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14CA515 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 22, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Brookfield, Wisconsin
- Nearest airport
- Capitol Airport (02C)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150J
- N-number
- N50889
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1968
- 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.