Cessna 150 N3773J accident near Ellsworth, Kansas

Probable cause

The pilot’s inadequate preflight fuel planning which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot’s self-induced pressure to complete the flight.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported he was at the end of a multi-leg flight that included touch and go landings at two different airports. About 23 miles from his destination, about 2,000 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot noticed the fuel gauges indicated a low fuel quantity. The engine began to sputter, and he immediately moved the mixture control to the full rich position. He reported that a brief rise in engine RPM occurred after which the engine did not regain sufficient power to maintain flight. The engine sustained a total loss of power. The pilot established a glide attitude and selected a landing area. During the forced landing sequence, the airplane contacted a power line and nosed over into a grass field, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and the left wing.

Post accident examination of the airplane revealed evidence consistent with no prop rotation at the time of impact and only residual fuel remaining in the fuel tanks. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The pilot stated in his accident report that he would use more conservative fuel calculations in the future and make more frequent fuel stops. The pilot also acknowledged that after the accident he recognized he had desired to complete the flight before nightfall to avoid having to spend the night away from home. He stated this may have acted as an external factor in his decision making.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN26LA249 for the full record.