# NTSB LAX86LA185: Cessna 150M, N66459, Lancaster, CA, April 20, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 20, 1986, 15:44 local (23:44 UTC)
- Place: Lancaster, CA
- Coordinates: 34.720172, -118.149406 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.7202&lon=-118.1494&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 10, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25128
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA185
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25128/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA185

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, approach - vfr pattern - downwind
  - engine instruments,fuel quantity gage - false indication (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE INTENDED TO FLY TO LANCASTER TO REFUEL. AFTER BEING AIRBORNE FOR ABOUT 44 MINUTES & WHILE ENTERING THE TRAFFIC PATTERN, THE ACFT'S ENGINE EXHAUSTED ITS USABLE FUEL. THE PLT ATTEMPTED TO GLIDE TO THE RWY, BUT HAD INSUFFICIENT ALTITUDE. THE ACFT TOUCHED DOWN IN A DIRT AREA ADJACENT TO THE RWY, & DURING ROLLOUT IT COLLIDED WITH AN EMBANKMENT & NOSED OVER. THE PASSENGER STATED THAT WHEN ENGINE POWER WAS LOST ONE FUEL GAGE REGISTERED 1/4 FULL, & THE OTHER GAGE REGISTERED SLIGHTLY LESS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N66459](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N66459), registered now, S/N 15076063, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15076063
- Airframe hours: 6053
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Patroline, Inc., doing business as Executive Air Center
- Registered owner: Patrol Line Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 1, 1985, 95 hours before
- Departed: BARSTOW, CA
- Destination: WJF, LANCASTER, CA
- Airport: WJF, Fox Airfield, runway 24, 5,001 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 27; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 122 total, 80 in this make and model, 11 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 80° at 9 knots
- Visibility: 75 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: WJF

## 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 19860420013119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860420013119A), Apr 20, 1986: Cessna 150M, Lancaster, CA, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. Landed beside runway in a dirt area. Struck an embankment and nosed over.

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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