N22565

Substantial
Serious

CESSNA 150HS/N: 15068366

Accident Details

Date
Monday, December 26, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA12CA125
Location
Knoxville, TN
Event ID
20111226X10824
Coordinates
35.907501, -83.919441
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate fuel planning, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N22565
Make
CESSNA
Serial Number
15068366
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1968
Model / ICAO
150HC150
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SANDERS JOHN B DBA
Address
5910 NEUBERT SPRINGS RD
Status
Deregistered
City
KNOXVILLE
State / Zip Code
TN 37920-5720
Country
United States

Analysis

According to the pilot, about 300 feet above ground level, a total engine power loss occurred. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restart the engine and performed a forced landing into trees. The wings and fuselage of the airplane were substantially damaged. A subsequent examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the fuel tanks remained intact and were not breached, and contained about two gallons of fuel in each tank. The airplane was equipped with two 19-gallon wing tanks with a total fuel capacity of 38 gallons; of which, 35 gallons are usable. Further examination of the engine revealed that there was no fuel present in the fuel lines or the fuel separator on the engine. The inspector found no preexisting mechanical anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA125