# NTSB FTW90LA147: Cessna 152, N5278H, Lytle, TX, July 25, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 25, 1990, 16:18 local (21:18 UTC)
- Place: Lytle, TX
- Coordinates: 29.230663, -98.790603 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.2307&lon=-98.7906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 9, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23162
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW90LA147
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23162/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW90LA147

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO ADEQUATELY MANAGE THE ONBOARD FUEL SUPPLY.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - fuel consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
- Loss of engine power(total) - mech failure/malf, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - fence

## Analysis

DURING A SOLO CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT THE AIRCRAFT LOST COMPLETE ENGINE POWER FOLLOWING 3.1 HOURS OF FLIGHT. THE PILOT EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING TO A SHORT FIELD WITH OBSTACLES. THE PILOT ELECTED TO USE ONLY TEN DEGREES OF FLAPS FOR THE LANDING. THE FLAP SETTING RESULTED IN A LONGER GROUND RUN IN THE SHORT FIELD AND THE AIRPLANE STRUCK SEVERAL OBJECTS BEFORE COMING TO REST ON ITS NOSE AGAINST A TREE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS DESTROYED DURING THE IMPACT WITH THE OBJECTS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5278H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N5278H-1991-10-22), registration cancelled 1991-10-22, S/N 15284079 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15284079
- Airframe hours: 3288
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: United States Air Force, doing business as Kelly-Lackland Aero Club
- Registered owner: Kelly Aero Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, July 12, 1990, 12 hours before
- Departed: SKF, KELLY AFB., TX
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 117 total, 100 in this make and model, 60 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 8 knots, gusting 18
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 91 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: SAT, 37 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 19900725028509A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900725028509A), Jul 25, 1990: Cessna 152, San Antonio, TX, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. Landed in short rocky field adjacent open smooth field. Failed to check visually.

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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