FTW00LA034

After 3.4 hours of flight, at 2,000 feet, approximately 1.5 miles from the approach end of the runway, the Cessna 150's engine 'sputtered and quit.' The pilot's attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. During the ensuing night forced landing to a field, the airplane's right wing struck a tree. The pilot reported that he had estimated the 246 nautical mile flight would take 3 hours, and use 16.5 gallons of fuel. The pilot further reported that the fuel on board at takeoff was 22.5 gallons. Examination by an FAA inspector revealed that 'both fuel tanks had less than two gallons of fuel on board.' According to the Pilot Operator Handbook, the total fuel capacity was 26 gallons, with a total capacity of 13 gallons for each tank. The total usable fuel was 22.5 gallons.

On November 18, 1999, at 1850 central standard time, a Cessna 150M airplane, N63077, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, following a loss of engine power near Carrolton, Texas. The aircraft was owned by a private individual and operated by Henley's Aircraft Service, inc., of Dallas, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 business flight. The cross-country flight originated from Woodward, Oklahoma, at 1525, with the Addison Airport, Addison, Texas, as its destination.

The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that his en route altitude was 5,500 feet msl, and he thought the winds aloft were 10-12 knots. After 3.4 hours into the flight, while descending through 2,000 feet, approximately 1.5 miles from the approach end of runway 15, the airplane's engine "sputtered and quit." Attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. During the ensuing forced landing to a field, the airplane's right wing struck a tree. The airplane came to a stop nose down in a ditch.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that he had estimated the 246 nautical mile flight would take 3 hours, and use 16.5 gallons of fuel. The pilot stated he used the Cessna 150 Pilot Operator Handbook's (POH) performance charts and determined the fuel consumption would be 5.3 gallons per hour. The fuel consumption was based on his planned altitude of 5,500 feet and power setting of 2,600 rpm. The pilot further reported that the fuel on board at takeoff was 22.5 gallons.

Examination of the aircraft wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed that the right wing's rear spar was fractured. The fuselage was buckled aft of the rear window, and the right elevator was damaged. The inspector further reported that, "with the tail of the aircraft sticking up," he observed that "both fuel tanks had less than two gallons of fuel on board." The position of the aircraft had forced all of the fuel to the leading edges, which allowed him to "clearly see all the fuel."

According to the POH, the total fuel capacity was 26 gallons, with a total capacity of 13 gallons for each tank. The total usable fuel was 22.5 gallons.