Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The students pilots improper in-flight fuel planning resulting in exhaustion of the fuel supply, and the collapse of the nose gear during the forced landing. Factors were unsuitable landing are encountered by the pilot, the plowed field and the fuel exhaustion.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Historical)
Analysis
On January 8, 2003, at 1230 central standard time, a Cessna 150J, N60834, piloted by a student pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing, near Garner, Iowa, following a loss of engine power while in cruise flight. The nose landing gear collapsed, and the airplane nosed over during the landing attempt. The student pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 solo flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight departed from Fairfield Municipal Airport (FFL), Fairfield, Iowa about 0730.
The pilot reported being low on fuel "at his point of crossing [near] Mason City, Iowa." The pilot recalled looking for a grass airfield outside of Mason City's airspace, but noted that he couldn't locate one. The pilot reported that the engine stopped due to fuel exhaustion. The pilot further reported he stalled the aircraft about 300 feet above the ground while on downwind for a roadway landing. The pilot reported that he recovered from the stall and touched down "as lightly as possible" on a plowed field. The airplane's nose landing gear impacted the terrain and collapsed. The airplane subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that he could have watched his fuel consumption better.
The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with regard to the airplane, engine, or related systems.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CHI03LA049