# NTSB ATL85FLT12: Cessna 150L, N10735, Tunica, MS, September 20, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1985, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Tunica, MS
- Coordinates: 34.68011, -90.379318 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.6801&lon=-90.3793&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 6663
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL85FLT12
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/6663/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL85FLT12

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - crop (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE ACFT SUSTAINED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE DURING A FORCED LANDING IN A COTTON FLD FOLLOWING FUEL EXHAUSTION. PURPOSE OF THE FLT WAS TO TAKE AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS. POST ACCIDENT INSPECTION OF THE ACFT DISCLOSED 2.5 GALLONS OF FUEL REMAINING IN THE RIGHT FUEL TANK AND THE LEFT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY. THE ACFT OWNERS MANUAL STATES THE ACFT CONTAINS 3.5 GALLONS OF UNUSABLE FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N10735](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N10735-2013-07-02), registration cancelled 2013-07-02, S/N 15074992, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15074992
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: State Aerial
- Registered owner: Sunaire Enterprises, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, April 24, 1985, 292 hours before
- Departed: WALLS, MS
- Destination: TUNICA, MS

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 24; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: right; flight hours: 530 total, 430 in this make and model, 325 as pilot in command, 234 in the last 90 days, 151 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 240° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 88 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 35 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19850920046669A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850920046669A), Sep 20, 1985: Cessna 150L, Tunica, MS, Substantial damage. Engine quit due to fuel exhaustion. Landed in field with damage.

## Other investigations on N10735 (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI78DEP12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI78DEP12), Jan 31, 1978: Cessna 150L (N10735), Sun Prairie, WI, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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