# NTSB FTW87LA035: Cessna 150L, N3230V, Leander, TX, November 21, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 21, 1986, 13:30 local (19:30 UTC)
- Place: Leander, TX
- Coordinates: 30.560176, -97.860015 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.5602&lon=-97.8600&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22310
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW87LA035
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22310/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW87LA035

## 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
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A HIGHWAY 20 MILES NW OF AUSTIN DUE TO FULE EXHAUSTION. THE AIRCRAFT RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE TO THE RIGHT WING. THE PILOT THEN REFUELED THE AIRCRAFT WITH AUTO GAS FROM A PASSING TRUCK AND CONTINUED ON TO HIS DESTINATION.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3230V](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N3230V-1990-06-12), registration cancelled 1990-06-12, S/N 15076430 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076430
- Airframe hours: 2235
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Westley C. Sheffield
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1986
- Departed: 05F, GATESVILLE, TX
- Destination: AUS, AUSTIN, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 53; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 6,776 total, 134 in this make and model, 614 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 68 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: AUS, 20 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 19861121073569A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861121073569A), Nov 21, 1986: Cessna 150M, Leander, TX, Substantial damage. Failed to check fuel on preflight. Ran out of fuel and struck barrier while landing on a road. Departed with damage.

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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