# NTSB ERA23LA191: Cessna 152, N757YM, Danbury, CT, April 10, 2023 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Class 3 · Limited · Final report - Date: April 10, 2023, 17:59 local (21:59 UTC) - Place: Danbury, CT - Coordinates: 41.380237, -73.455784 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.3802&lon=-73.4558&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Approach: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed - Report: Approved by Office Director - Investigation class: Class 3 - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 107046 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA23LA191 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/107046/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=107046 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA23LA191 ## Probable cause The flight instructor’s inadequate preflight fuel planning and oversight of the preflight inspection, which resulted in a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 26 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: fuel planning](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 13 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 719 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md) - [Inspection: preflight inspection](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510): Personnel issues › Task performance · Instructor/check pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 551 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061510/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Approach: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 14 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 804 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 35 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Maneuvering: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 84 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The airplane was fueled earlier in the day then flown on 3 separate flights totaling 3.1 hours. Before the accident flight, the student pilot used a fuel dipstick to check the fuel level in each tank but she did not recall the fuel quantity in either tank and the flight instructor did not verify the fuel quantity. After departure, with a reported 15 gallons of fuel on board, the student performed pattern work, airwork, and more traffic pattern work. After the 3rd go-around, while on the downwind leg abeam the landing spot, the flight instructor took over the controls to demonstrate a landing. After turning onto base leg, the engine began to lose power. He pitched then nose down and reported the engine started and for about 2 seconds before losing power completely. He noted there were 2 high towers near the end of the runway and turned toward a grass field behind him and performed a steep spiral to lose altitude. The airplane slowed, and he heard the stall warning horn. He moved the flap selector from 10° to 20° then braced for impact. The airplane impacted a shed and came to rest adjacent to a house. Postaccident examination of the engine and its systems revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction. The airframe fuel strainer was found to contain about 1 ounce of fuel and the carburetor bowl was empty. The right wing contained about 1.7 gallons of fuel and the left fuel tank was empty. The usable fuel capacity of the airplane was 24.5 gallons. The airplane was flown 5.3 hours since the fuel tanks were last filled. The published fuel consumption rate for the engine was listed as being between 5.8 gallons per hour (gph) and 9.5 gph depending on power settings used. Given the fuel capacity of the airplane and the amount of time the airplane was flown after being fueled, it is likely that the loss of engine power was a result of fuel exhaustion. ## Factual narrative The airplane was modified in accordance with multiple Supplemental Type Certificates (STC’s) which included installation of a Lycoming O-235-L2C(M) engine and installation of a Sensenich fixed pitch propeller. The engine limitations section of the FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual Supplement (AFMS) associated with the engine and propeller modifications stated that the rated rpm was 2,800 and 125 horsepower for all operations. The performance section of the AFMS specified that the incorporation of the STC into the airplane would result in increased fuel consumption relative to the values given in the airplane flight manual. According to the Airplane Type certificate Data Sheet, the total usable fuel capacity of the airplane was 24.5 gallons with an unusable fuel amount in each wing fuel tank of .75 gallon for a total unusable fuel capacity of 1.5 gallons. The Pilot’s Operating Handbook specified that the fuel consumed during engine start, taxi, and takeoff was 0.8 gallon. According to the engine Operator’s Manual, the fuel consumption in terms of gph varied from 9.5 gph at normal rated power to 5.8 gph at 65% rated power. According to fuel records, 16.6 gallons of 100 low lead fuel were added on the morning of the accident, filling the fuel tanks. Operator records showed that between the time the airplane was fueled and the accident flight, the airplane flew 3 flights totaling 3.1 hours. The elapsed time for the accident flight was 2.2 hours as documented by the hour meter. The airplane was flown for a total of 5.3 hours since it was last fueled. On April 10, 2023, about 1759 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 152, N757YM, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Danbury, Connecticut. The flight instructor and student pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The student reported she performed weight and balance calculations, which reflected that there were 15 gallons of fuel on board. The flight instructor later reported he used a rate of 5 gallons-per-hour for fuel consumption calculations, or about 3 hours of fuel remaining, but that did not consider the fuel consumed for engine start, taxi, or takeoff. The student stated that she performed a preflight inspection that included a check of the fuel tanks using a dipstick, though she could not recall the value or reading in either tank. Her flight instructor indicated there was enough for the intended flight though he stated that he did not check the fuel tanks, and he could not recall either fuel gauge reading at engine start. The student performed an engine run-up before departure, which included a check of the magnetos and carburetor heat, both of which were operative. All instruments were working, and the flight instructor had her check the fuel gauges, but he did not recall her telling him anything about them. According to ADS-B data, the flight departed from runway 26 about 1601,and the flight instructor stated that after takeoff they remained in the airport traffic pattern and performed a go-around, and a normal landing. They departed the airport traffic pattern to practice airwork, then returned to the airport to do more pattern work. After the 3rd go-around, while on the downwind leg abeam the landing spot, he took over control of the airplane to demonstrate a landing and turned onto the base leg of the airport traffic pattern. While flying at 65 knots between 800 and 900 ft mean sea level, the engine began “sputtering.” He pitched down and reported the engine started and only ran for about 2 seconds, then it lost all power. He looked at runway 26, and noted there were 2 high towers near the end of the runway and remembered a grass field behind him and turned to fly towards it. He performed a steep spiral to lose altitude. The airplane slowed, and he heard the stall warning horn. He moved the flap selector from 10° to 20° and braced for impact. The student reported the airplane impacted a shed. Both pilots reported an EMT told them they smelled of fuel after the accident. According to the FAA inspector, the airplane impacted a residential area about 1 mile east of the Danbury Municipal Airport (DXR), Danbury, Connecticut. The right wing impacted near the roof line of a house adjacent to the shed, then impacted the shed. There was no postimpact fire. The airplane came to rest listing to the right. No fuel was drained from the left fuel tank which was nearly vertical and about 1.7 gallons were drained from the right fuel tank. Examination of the fuel system following recovery revealed broken fuel supply lines in the cockpit area; however, there was no blue stains in those areas. Although the fuel supply line to the airframe fuel strainer was kinked and the bowl was separated from the firewall the bowl was drained and found to contain about 40 milliliters, or about 1 ounce of fuel. The carburetor bowl did not contain any fuel. There were no discrepancies with either fuel cap which were vented. No discrepancies other than impact damage were noted to the fuel supply lines. Due to impact damage the fuel gauges were not electrically checked. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact failure or malfunction of the powertrain, ignition, air induction, or exhaust systems. Throttle and mixture control continuity was confirmed from the cockpit to the carburetor. There were no nicks on the leading or trailing edges of either propeller blade and neither propeller blade exhibited scoring on the cambered side or blade face. One blade exhibited a slight aft bend. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N757YM](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N757YM), registered now, S/N 15280110 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 152 (NO SERIES EXISTS) - 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: 15280110 - Year built: 1977 - Airframe hours: 5833.6 - Engines: Lycoming O-235-L2C (M) 125 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Operator: Darcy Aviation LLC - Registered owner: Darcy Aviation LLC - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: 100 hour, March 30, 2023, 17 hours before - Departed: DXR, Danbury, CT - Flight plan: VFR - Airport: DXR, Danbury Municipal Airport - Equipment: Stall warning system, ADS-B ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Student pilot; age 18; injuries: minor; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 8 total - Flight instructor; age 29; injuries: minor; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, with waivers/limitations; last flight review February 14, 2022; seat: right; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 206 total, 15 in this make and model, 142 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 18 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 66 °F, dew point 14 °F - Altimeter: 30.30 inHg - Turbulence: Unknown - Observed at: KDXR, 1 nm away - METAR: KDXR 102153Z VRB05KT 10SM CLR 19/M10 A3030 RMK AO2 SLP262 T01891100 ## 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 20230410003979A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20230410003979A), Apr 10, 2023: Cessna 152, Danbury, CT, Destroyed. On March 10, 2023 at approximately 1750 EST, aircraft lost power and crashed in a residential area striking a house and coming to rest against an adjacent home… ## Docket (15 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on March 19, 2025, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=107046. 44.0 MB in all. - Pilot/operator aircraft accident report, NTSB form 6120.1 (item 1, PDF, 11 pages, 9.5 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15682291&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=6120_%20Recd%204%2021%202023_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Record of NTSB conversations (item 2, PDF, 21 pages, 2.2 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=15682028&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Record%20of%20NTSB%20Conversations_21%20Pages_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Flight manual supplement for engine and propeller changes (item 3, PDF, 2 pages, 282 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18318007&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=FMS%20For%20O%20235%20l2C%20(M)%20with%20Sensenich%20Propeller_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from engine manufacturer operator's manual (item 4, PDF, 2 pages, 604 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18317820&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Excerpts%20Fm%20Engine%20Operator%27s%20Manual-Rel.pdf - Fuel records (item 5, PDF, 3 pages, 2.9 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18318253&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fuel%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Operator dispatch records (item 6, PDF, 1 page, 560 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18318416&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Operator%20Dispatch%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from maintenance records (item 7, PDF, 1 page, 481 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18318323&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Excerpts%20Fm%20Maint%20Records_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Airplane type certificate data sheet (item 8, PDF, 19 pages, 130 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18317640&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Airplane%20TCDS%203A19%20Rev%2050-Rel.pdf - Excerpts from pilot's operating handbook (item 9, PDF, 2 pages, 735 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18317650&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Excerpts%20Fm%20POH-Rel.pdf - Federal aviation administration (FAA) automatic dependent surveillance a�� broadcast (ADS-B) tabular data (item 10, XLSX, 24.7 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18317985&FileExtension=xlsx&FileName=20230410_AA363C_512445001_ADSB-Rel.xlsx - NTSB record of conversation with federal aviation administration inspector-in-charge (item 11, PDF, 4 pages, 3 photos, 552 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16340260&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=NTSB%20ROC%20w%20FAA%20IIC_Redacted-Rel.pdf - FAA inspector statement (item 12, PDF, 9 pages, 218 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16341419&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=FAA%20FINAL%20Inspector%20Statement-Recd%207%2026%202023_Redacted-Rel.pdf - Memorandum for record - additional investigative information (item 13, PDF, 1 page, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16341240&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=FINAL%20Memo%20For%20Record%20-Reinspection%207%2025%202023%20v01-Rel.pdf - Investigative photographs (item 14, PDF, 3 pages, 669 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=18318953&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Investigative%20Photos%20v01-Rel.pdf - Release of aircraft wreckage, NTSB form 6120.15 (item 15, PDF, 1 page, 354 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=16340877&FileExtension=pdf&FileName=Fully%20Extcd%20Wreckage%20Release%20Form_ERA23LA191_Redacted-Rel.pdf 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.