# NTSB DEN89LA136: Cessna 150M, N704AS, Gooding, ID, June 14, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 14, 1989, 16:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Gooding, ID
- Coordinates: 43.010208, -114.700202 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.0102&lon=-114.7002&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report August 22, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 17720
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN89LA136
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/17720/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN89LA136

## Probable cause

IMPROPER INFLIGHT DECISION OF THE PILOT TO CONTINUE THE FLIGHT WITHOUT REFUELING WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## Analysis

THE PVT PLT AND PASSENGER, DEPARTED SALEM, OR, ON AN EXTENDED CROSS COUNTRY FLT WITH AN INTENDED DESTINATION OF HAILEY, ID. SEVERAL EN ROUTE STOPS WERE MADE. WHILE ON AN APPROACH TO GOODING, ID, HIS LAST INTENDED STOP, THE ENG QUIT. DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT, THE ACFT STRUCK A POWER LINE AND CRASHED. AN FAA INSPECTOR AT THE CRASH SITE NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO FUEL LEAKING FROM THE FUEL TANKS. A POST CRASH EXAM OF THE ENG REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION OR FAILURE PRIOR TO THE WIRE STRIKE. THE ACFT HAD BEEN IN THE AIR FOR OVER 3 HOURS WITHOUT REFUELING. FUEL CONSUMPTION WAS CALCULATED TO BE 7.2 GPH DURING THE PREVIOUS FLIGHT. THE FUEL IN THE AIRPLANE AT THE LAST TAKEOFF AFTER FUELING WAS 22.5 GALS.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - wire,transmission (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N704AS](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N704AS), registered now, S/N 15078464 (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: 15078464
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Daniel W Files
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 1, 1989, 20 hours before
- Departed: PDT, PENDELTON, OR
- Destination: GNG, GOODING, ID

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 29; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 140 total, 65 in this make and model, 83 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 25 statute miles
- Temperature: 84 °F

## 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 19890614015629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890614015629A), Jun 14, 1989: Cessna 150M, Gooding, ID, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel turning wide base for runway. Struck powerline, hit ground, and nosed over.

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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