Probable cause
The pilot’s improper fuel planning, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported the airplane contained 10 gallons of fuel before departing for a local area flight. At the conclusion of the flight, and while on final approach for the destination airport, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power with the propeller windmilling. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and increased the mixture to full rich, but was unable to restore power, noting 2 gallons of fuel remaining which was below the amount of 2.5 gallons known to be unusable. The pilot executed a forced landing and impacted treed terrain substantially damaging the airplanes wings, fuselage and empennage.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR24LA091 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Feb 17, 2024
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Everett, Washington
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Dusk
Cessna 150M
- N-number
- N3538V
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1975
- 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.