N8397G

On March 24, 1999, about 1844 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150F, N8397G, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach and made a forced landing to an interstate highway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The private pilot and one pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Enterprise, Alabama, about 3 hours 6 minutes before the accident.

The pilot stated he departed Enterprise at about 1440 central standard time. He climbed to 3,500 feet and was vectored around restricted areas along his route of flight. He climbed to 5,500 feet and cruised at 75 percent power. Upon reaching Macon, Georgia, he descended to 3,500 feet, and descended to 2,000 feet when he was instructed to contact Columbia tower. He was being sequenced for landing on runway 29. About 2 miles from the airport the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. He was provided winds, altimeter, and runway information. He informed the tower that he would be unable to make the airport. A shallow turn was made to the right and a forced landing was made to the shoulder of the interstate. The left main landing gear collided with a steel grate and separated the landing gear. The airplane rotated around the lateral axis to the right, collapsed the nose gear and came to a complete stop. Examination of the fuel tanks by the pilot revealed no fuel was present.

Examination of the fuel tanks revealed the left fuel tank was empty and the right fuel tank contained about 1/2 ounce of fuel. The fuel bowl had only a thumbnail of fuel in the bowl.