# NTSB ATL91LA177: Cessna 150G, N4096J, Pleasant Grove, AL, September 21, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 20, 1991, 19:10 local (Sep 21, 1991, 00:10 UTC)
- Place: Pleasant Grove, AL
- Coordinates: 33.47924, -86.970214 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.4792&lon=-86.9702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 5, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8474
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA177
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8474/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA177

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO REFUEL THE AIRPLANE PRIOR TO THE LAST TAKEOFF RESULTING IN AN INADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY FOR THE 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
  - 1 engine
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled
  - terrain condition

## Analysis

THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE FLYING AT A CRUISE ALTITUDE.  EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT DISCLOSED THAT 1/2 GALLON OF AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WAS IN THE FUEL SYSTEM WHEN THE ENGINE QUIT.  THE PILOT DEPARTED WITHOUT REFUELING AFTER A 3 HOUR 40 MINUTE FLIGHT THE DAY BEFORE.  THE ENGINE QUIT APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES INTO THE FLIGHT.  THE ESTIMATED FUEL ENDURANCE FOR THIS AIRPLANE WAS 4 HOURS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4096J](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4096J-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N 15065396, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150G
- Registry model: [Cessna 150G](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150g) (registry code 2071816) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 150-65396
- Airframe hours: 35473
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Heaton, Gerald
- Registered owner: Heaton, Gerald
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 21, 1990, 20 hours before
- Departed: 2A3, BESSEMER, AL

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,092 total, 500 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 15 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: BHM, 15 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 19910920042139A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910920042139A), Sep 20, 1991: Cessna 150G, Pleasant Grove, AL, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Trying to land struck powerline. Fell into residence yard. No fuel onboard after accident.

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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