# NTSB FTW89LA083: Cessna 150J, N50703, Athens, TX, April 17, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 17, 1989, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Athens, TX
- Coordinates: 32.200439, -95.849884 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.2004&lon=-95.8499&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 31, 1991
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 22856
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW89LA083
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/22856/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW89LA083

## Probable cause

FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT.

## 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
  - fuel system - exhaustion (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT DID NOT CHECK THE FUEL TANKS DURING THE PREFLIGHT, BUT HE SAID THE GAGES INDICATED HE HAD SUFFICIENT FUEL WHEN THE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND QUIT, 'INDICATING FUEL STARVATION.' HE SAID THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL STRONG, GUSTY, CROSSWINDS CAUGHT THE AIRPLANE AND CAUSED IT TO FLIP OVER. ONE GALLON OF FUEL WAS FOUND IN EACH WING TANK AFTER THE ACDT. THERE WAS NO SMELL OF FUEL LEAKAGE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N50703](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N50703-2022-01-08), registration cancelled 2022-01-08, S/N 15069495 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J
- Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15069495
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Royal Aircraft Restoration,Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: 2TS4, MALAKOFF, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 60; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 5,000 total, 2 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TYR, 36 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 19890417008309A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890417008309A), Apr 17, 1989: Cessna 150J, Athens, TX, Substantial damage. Flew for 10 minutes after takeoff. Ran out of fuel and was blown over by wind gust landing in a open field.

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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