LAX02LA012

The pilot reported that he believed the airplane's fuel tanks were full of fuel, and he departed for a planned 3-hour-long flight. The flight took longer than expected. After flying for about 3:50 hours, the engine lost all power. The pilot made a forced landing and during flare collided with a light pole. No mechanical malfunctions were reported with the engine. During the subsequent investigation, approximately 1.3 gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank, and the left fuel tank was found dry. The pilot acknowledged that he "simply ran out of gas."

On October 22, 2001, about 1935 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, N67729, operated by West Wind Aviation, Inc., North Las Vegas, Nevada, experienced a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. During the pilot's forced landing flare, about 2 miles northeast of Henderson, Nevada, the airplane collided with a light pole about 10 feet above the ground. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot sustained a minor injury. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed during the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was performed under 14 CFR Part 91 and originated from North Las Vegas about 1545.

The pilot indicated to the National Transportation Safety Board investigator that no mechanical malfunctions were experienced with the airplane's engine during the flight. The pilot reported that he originated the flight with the wing tanks full of fuel, and no en route stops were made. When the engine "sputtered" and lost power, the left fuel tank gauge registered "almost empty" and the right gauge registered about "one-quarter" full.

The airplane was subsequently examined. The Federal Aviation Administration coordinator reported that the left fuel tank was found dry, and approximately 1.3 gallons of fuel were found in the right fuel tank.

In the pilot's completed "Aircraft Accident Report" he indicated, in pertinent part, that he believed the fuel tanks were full when he initiated the flight. The pilot reported that he had planned to fly for about 3 hours, but that the flight took longer than expected, and he "simply ran out of gas."