# NTSB LAX87LA049: Cessna 150L, N11185, Fresno, CA, November 25, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 25, 1986, 15:06 local (23:06 UTC)
- Place: Fresno, CA
- Coordinates: 38.639034, -121.539726 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.6390&lon=-121.5397&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25478
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX87LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25478/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX87LA049

## 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 - base turn
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of total experience in type of aircraft, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - total, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, landing - flare/touchdown
  - object - utility pole (cause)

## Analysis

DURING A SOLO INSTRUCTIONAL CROSS-COUNTRY FLIGHT THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE ON THE BASE LEG AT THE FRESNO AIRPORT. THE PILOT DID NOT FEEL THAT HE COULD MAKE THE RUNWAY DUE TO AN EXTENDED DOWNWIND AND LOW ALTITUDE. THE PILOT DECIDED TO TRY AND LAND IN A PLOWED FIELD TO HIS RIGHT THEN DECIDED NOT TO BECAUSE OF A FENCE. THE PILOT THEN CHOSE A NEARBY ROAD. THE AIRCRAFT THEN COLLIDED WITH A TELEPHONE POLE. THE AIRCRAFT WAS EXAMINED AND FOUND THAT THE RIGHT FUEL TANK WAS EMPTY AND THE LEFT FUEL TANK HAD APPROXIMATELY 1 GALLON OF FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11185](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11185-2013-01-30), registration cancelled 2013-01-30, S/N 15075244, built 1973 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150L
- Registry model: [Cessna 150L](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150l) (registry code 2071826) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15075244
- Airframe hours: 9298
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Sacramento Aero Services
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, November 18, 1986, 17 hours before
- Departed: LSN, LOS BANOS, CA
- Destination: FAT, FRESNO, CA
- Flight plan: VFR
- Airport: FAT, Fresno Air Terminal, runway 29, 9,222 × 150 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 45 total, 45 in this make and model, 14 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 220° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 4 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 48 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAT, 1 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 19861125081389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19861125081389A), Nov 25, 1986: Cessna 150L, Fresno, CA, Destroyed. Solo student being vectored to airport exhausted fuel in the pattern. Struck a pole, impacted the ground.

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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