# NTSB LAX90LA011: Cessna 150L, N642EZ, Marana, AZ, October 25, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 25, 1989, 16:30 local (23:30 UTC)
- Place: Marana, AZ
- Location: 32.4367° N, 111.2254° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Marana, AZ, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=32.4367&lon=-111.2254&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 26669
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX90LA011
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/26669/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX90LA011

## Probable cause

FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO PROPERLY JUDGE HIS FUEL SUPPLY, WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - misjudged, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - high vegetation

## Analysis

DURING A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT TO THE PILOT'S HOME HE ENCOUNTERED TURBULENCE AND HEADWINDS WHICH INCREASED THE DURATION OF FLIGHT TIME TO OVER THREE HOURS. THE PILOT REPORTED THAT ALL ENGINE POWER WAS LOST AND THE FUEL GAGES REGISTERED 'EMPTY.' THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING ON A ROAD & COLLIDED WITH CACTUS.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N642EZ](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N642EZ-2018-01-05), registration cancelled 2018-01-05, S/N 15074225, built 1972 (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: 15074225
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-E2D 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Sunrise Aviation Inc.
- Registered owner: Unknown
- Departed: SEZ, SEDONA, AZ
- Destination: TUS, TUCSON, AZ

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 22; private; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 140 total, 1 in this make and model, 51 as pilot in command, 27 in the last 90 days, 23 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Visibility: 30 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 8,000 ft broken
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19891025044629A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19891025044629A), Oct 25, 1989: Cessna STC150, Marana, AZ, Substantial damage. Ran out of fuel en route. Landing on gravel road struck cactus and trees.

## Other investigations on N642EZ (1)

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.

- [NTSB CEN12LA015](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN12LA015), Oct 7, 2011: Cessna 150L (N642EZ), Vidalia, LA, substantial damage. Probable cause: A total loss of engine power likely due to carburetor ice.

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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