# NTSB MIA87LA077: Cessna 152, N757DW, Key West, FL, January 20, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 20, 1987, 14:45 local (19:45 UTC)
- Place: Key West, FL
- Coordinates: 24.549892, -81.779182 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=24.5499&lon=-81.7792&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report March 30, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31851
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA87LA077
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31851/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA87LA077

## 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
  - fuel system - exhaustion (cause)
  - planning/decision - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel consumption calculations - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - flight manuals - not followed, pilot in command
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
- Ditching, descent - emergency

## Analysis

THE PLT FAILED TO CALCULATE FUEL CONSUMPTION FOR THE INTENDED ROUTE OF FLT PRIOR TO TAKEOFF. APRX 55 MINUTES INTO THE FLT THE ENG QUIT DUE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION. THE ACFT WAS THEN DITCHED IN THE GULF OF MEXICO.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N757DW (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15279666
- Airframe hours: 3706
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: South Seminole Flying Club,Inc
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: Annual, August 28, 1986
- Departed: APF, NAPLES, FL
- Destination: EYW, KEY WEST, FL
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 270 total, 100 in this make and model, 251 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: EYW, 11 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 19870120000819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870120000819A), Jan 20, 1987: Cessna 152, Key West, FL, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion. The aircraft was ditched in the ocean. Pilot failed to plan fuel usage.

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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