N60060

Substantial
Minor

CESSNA 150JS/N: 15070043

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
NTSB Number
WPR11CA327
Location
Wheatland, WY
Event ID
20110714X55933
Coordinates
41.935554, -104.853332
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
2
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate fuel consumption calculations, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's decision to continue flight with known equipment deficiencies.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N60060
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
15070043
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1968
Model / ICAO
150JC150
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
REYNOLDS JAMES H
Address
PO BOX 2094
Status
Deregistered
City
MARSHALL
State / Zip Code
TX 75671-2094
Country
United States

Analysis

After takeoff the pilot noticed that the airplane's battery was not operating and elected to continue the flight without the use of his left and right fuel gauge indicators, as required for flight under visual flight rules by CFR Part 91.205(b)(9). The pilot reported that 12 miles to the south of his intended destination, his engine sputtered and quit. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a road and the airplane touched down nose wheel first and nosed over, coming to a rest inverted. The fuselage, wings, and rudder sustained substantial damage. According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who examined the airplane post accident, the fuel caps made a hissing noise when initially removed and there was no fuel in the fuel tanks. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine that would have precluded normal flight.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR11CA327