# NTSB DEN93LA096: Cessna 152, N4816B, Timpson, TX, August 3, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 3, 1993, 01:00 local (06:00 UTC)
- Place: Timpson, TX
- Coordinates: 31.899131, -94.389427 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.8991&lon=-94.3894&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11101
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN93LA096
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11101/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN93LA096

## Probable cause

THE PILOT IN COMMAND'S FAILURE TO REFUEL RESULTING  IN FUEL EXHUSTION. FACTORS WERE: THE LACK OF  SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING, AND DARK  NIGHT LIGHT CONDITIONS.

## 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 (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
  - light condition - dark night (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - object - fence

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID PRIOR TO TAKEOFF, HE NOTED BOTH FUEL TANKS  WERE FILLED TO CAPACITY. HE DEPARTED NEW ORLEANS,LOUISIANA, AT 2045, EN ROUTE TO ARLINGTON, TEXAS. THE ENGINE LOST  POWER AND THE PILOT ACCOMPLISHED A NO FLAP FORCED LANDING. DURING THE LANDING ROLL, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES AND A  FENCE. THE PILOT TOLD TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICIALS THAT THE ENGINE LOST POWER DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## Factual narrative

On August 3, 1993, at approximately 0100 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N4816B, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Timpson, Texas.  The pilot and his passenger received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for this personal flight.

The following is based on the pilot's accident report.  The pilot said he visually checked both fuel tanks and confirmed the fuel level was up to the tank filler neck.  He and his father departed Lakefront Airport, New Orleans, Louisiana, at 2045.  When the airplane was about 18 miles west of Center, Texas, the pilot noticed the fuel gauges indicated one eighth full, or approximately eight to 10 gallons remaining.  The pilot turned around and proceeded back towards the airport at Center.  Shortly thereafter, the engine lost power and the fuel gauges registered near empty.  A no flap landing was accomplished in an open field, but the airplane collided with trees and a fence during the landing roll.  According to Texas Department of Public Safety officials, the pilot said the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4816B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4816B-2004-06-29), registration cancelled 2004-06-29, S/N 15283652, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15283652
- Airframe hours: 9427
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Cothron Aviation
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 28, 1993, 26 hours before
- Departed: NEW, NEW ORLEANS, LA
- Destination: F54, ARLINGTON, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 19; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 114 total, 82 in this make and model, 50 as pilot in command, 29 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: 70° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 77 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: LFK, 44 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 19930803027549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930803027549A), Aug 3, 1993: Cessna 152, Timpson, TX, Substantial damage. Pilot reported fuel exhaustion. Overran open field on forced landing into a fence and trees.

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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