LAX96LA205

The pilot had performed a preflight inspection and observed that the fuel tanks appeared full, and departed for the cross-country flight. After flying for about 3.4 hours, the engine sputtered followed by the propeller stopping. During the forced landing the airplane collided with a pole. The FAA reported finding no evidence of any mechanical malfunctions relating to the engine. The pilot subsequently reported that when he initiated the flight the fuel gages registered 3/4 full. Approaching the destination airport, the gages registered 1/4 full. During the flight the pilot had cruised between 4,500 and 6,500 feet msl. According to the Cessna, the engine can develop over 75 percent power when below 7,000 feet, during which time the fuel consumption rate can exceed 6 gallons per hour.

History of flight

On May 25, 1996, at 1735 hours Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150M, N66392, operated by the Long Beach Flying Club, Long Beach, California, experienced a total loss of engine power on final approach to the Los Banos Municipal Airport, Los Banos, California. The pilot reported that the engine initially "sputtered" and then the propeller stopped. During the forced landing, the airplane collided with a pole and then crashed into an open field about 0.5 miles from the airport. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private pilot and passenger received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the personal flight, and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported that, prior to taking off, he had performed a preflight inspection of the airplane. Both fuel tanks were visually inspected and were completely full, but the fuel gages indicated that the tanks were 3/4 full. The engine was started at 1425 and takeoff occurred at 1435.

No engine problems were reported during the flight. The pilot reported that he cruised at 4,500 and 6,500 feet mean sea level (msl).

About 10 miles from Los Banos, both fuel gages indicated 1/4 tank of fuel remained. Following the accident, the pilot made a statement to the Los Banos Police Department. In pertinent part, the pilot indicated that when the power loss occurred ". . . it seemed that the plane was starving for fuel. . . ."

Tests and research

At the conclusion of the flight, the airplane's Hobbs hour recording meter indicated that the airplane had been operated for 3.2 hours. According to the engine's recording tachometer, the engine had been operated for 3.4 hours.

Based upon the pilot's and the National Transportation Safety Board's calculations, when the engine was started for the flight the airplane's gross weight was about 1,606 or 1,644 pounds, respectively. The certificated maximum gross weight for the airplane was 1,600 pounds.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) examined the airplane which had come to rest in a nose down attitude. They reported finding no evidence of the 3.5 gallons (maximum) of unusable fuel. The FAA noted that the main fuel line at its gascolator attachment point was broken in an impact damaged area of the engine compartment. No evidence of any mechanical malfunction was found during the examination of the induction system, spark plugs, magnetos, and carburetor.

Cruise, performance, and endurance data published in the Cessna 150M owner's handbook indicates that under varying atmospheric conditions the engine is capable of developing more than 75 percent power. Engine power over 75 percent can be produced when operating below 7,000 feet msl under standard atmospheric conditions. The handbook also indicates that the nominal fuel consumption rate when cruising, for example, at 6,000 feet msl (at 2,650 rpm), is about 5.1 gallons per hour. However, the rate increases with increased engine rpm. Under certain other conditions of nonstandard atmosphere or higher rpm, fuel consumption can be equal to or greater than 6 gallons per hour. The maximum (red line) allowable rpm is 2,750.