# NTSB LAX86LA287: Cessna 150M, N704GW, Sunnymead, CA, July 11, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 10, 1986, 20:15 local (Jul 11, 1986, 03:15 UTC)
- Place: Sunnymead, CA
- Location: 33.9400° N, 117.2437° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Sunnymead, CA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=33.9400&lon=-117.2437&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25210
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA287
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25210/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA287

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion
  - preflight planning/preparation - poor, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - improper, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command(cfi) (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, dual student (contributing factor)
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - tree(s)
  - remedial action - not possible, pilot in command(cfi) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE NEWLY CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR DEPARTED ON A LOCAL DUAL INSTRUCTIONAL FLIGHT WITH A FIRST HOUR PRIMARY STUDENT. THE CFI SAID THAT 'DUE TO NUMEROUS DISTRACTIONS' HE 'FORGOT TO CHECK THE FUEL LEVEL AND DEPARTED ON THE FLIGHT WITHOUT AN ADEQUATE FUEL SUPPLY.' AFTER ABOUT A ONE HOUR FLIGHT, THE CFI SAID THE ENGINE QUIT 'DUE TO FUEL STARVATION' AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH A DITCH AND TREES DURING THE SUBSEQUENT FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N704GW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N704GW-1997-11-14), registration cancelled 1997-11-14, S/N 15078609 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M
- Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15078609
- Airframe hours: 4480
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A48 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Blue Lagoonlying Service
- Registered owner: Debra J. Manning
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, May 27, 1986, 12 hours before
- Departed: RIR, RIVERSIDE, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; commercial, flight instructor; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: right; flight hours: 548 total, 104 in this make and model, 137 in the last 90 days, 40 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 290° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: RIV, 3 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 19860710031889A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860710031889A), Jul 10, 1986: Cessna 150M, Sunnymead, CA, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion and the aircraft struck a ditch during the forced landing.

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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