Probable cause
The pilot's improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during a 4.5-hour cross-country flight, and, after making two full stop landings without refueling, the engine lost power while he was returning to his departure airport. A forced landing was made to a service road where, during the landing roll, the left wing tip struck a wood post, which caused the airplane to rotate 90 degrees. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. A postaccident examination revealed no usable fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation and said it was likely that he had exhausted his fuel supply.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA103 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 18, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Porterville, California
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150J
- N-number
- N50690
- 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.