# NTSB ATL90LA067: Cessna 150M, N45302, Leitchfield, KY, February 25, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 24, 1990, 21:30 local (Feb 25, 1990, 03:30 UTC)
- Place: Leitchfield, KY
- Coordinates: 37.47953, -86.289802 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4795&lon=-86.2898&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8211
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL90LA067
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8211/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL90LA067

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT, IN THAT HE DID NOT ASSURE THAT BOTH FUEL TANK FILLER CAPS WERE SECURE PRIOR TO FLIGHT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - single engine aircraft
  - fuel system,cap - not secured
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, landing
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

ABOUT ONE HOUR INTO THE FLIGHT, THE PILOT NOTICED THAT THE FUEL QUANTITY IN THE RIGHT TANK WAS DROPPING QUICKER THAN EXPECTED. A FEW MINUTES LATER, THE ENGINE QUIT. THE AIRPLANE WAS FORCE LANDED IN A FIELD, NOSED OVER, AND WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED. WHEN THE PILOT INSPECTED THE AIRCRAFT AFTER THE ACCIDENT, HE NOTICED THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK FILLER CAP WAS MISSING. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WOULD BE MORE CLOSELY AWARE OF THE TIGHTNESS AND CORRECT INSTALLATION OF FUEL CAPS IN THE FUTURE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N45302](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N45302), registered now, S/N 15076832, built 1975 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076832
- Airframe hours: 2036
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Michael J. Davis
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, October 23, 1989, 47 hours before
- Departed: UCY, UNION CITY, TN
- Destination: M20, LEITCHFIELD, KY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 33; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 418 total, 396 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 310° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 30 °F, dew point -0 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## 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 19900224002899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900224002899A), Feb 24, 1990: Cessna 150M, Leitchfield, KY, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route at night. On forced landing struck trees and utility pole. Fuel cap missing. Siphoned fuel

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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