MIA97LA184

The pilot stated he had descended to 2,000 feet in preparation for landing when the engine started running rough, then lost power. The left fuel gage indicated empty and the right fuel gage indicated about 1/4 full. The pilot established the best glide speed, but the airplane collided with trees and terrain about 1 mile from the runway. Examination revealed the left and right fuel tanks were not ruptured and no fuel was present. Fuel was added to the right fuel tank, then the engine was started, and it developed power.

On June 15, 1997, about 1547 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150G, N2276J, registered to a private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, experienced a reported loss of engine power while en route to Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, Greer, South Carolina. The pilot made a forced landing into the trees. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a VFR flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The student pilot reported no injuries. The flight originated from Reidsville, North Carolina (NC14), about 30 minutes before the accident.

The student pilot stated he departed Charlottesville, Virginia, with full fuel tanks at about 1154, and landed at NC14 at about 1500. He departed NC14 at about 1530 and climbed to 4,300 feet. He contacted ATC, requested vectors to the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport, and was cleared to descend to 2,000 feet. The engine started cutting off and on and quit upon reaching 2,000 feet. He informed ATC and was cleared to land on runway 21. He visually checked the fuel gages. The right fuel tank indicated about a 1/4 tank of fuel. The left tank was empty. He assumed the best glide speed and the airplane collided with trees about 1 mile from the runway.

Examination of the airframe, flight controls, engine assembly and accessories revealed no evidence of a precrash mechanical failure or malfunction. The left and right fuel cells appeared to be empty. Firemen responding to the crash scene stated there was no indication of a ruptured fuel cell or leaking fuel. When the pilot was asked by fireman how much fuel was on board the pilot stated, "I think I'm empty."

The airplane wreckage was recovered to Allen Aero Service Inc., Jefferson, Georgia. Further examination of the wreckage on June 25, 1997, by the FAA revealed several drops of fuel present in the airframe fuel strainer valve. The fuel tanks were not ruptured. The airplane was rolled outside for an engine run, and fuel was added to the right wing. The engine started, and ran at 1,000 rpm. The rpm was increased to1650 rpm and a magneto check was performed. Both magneto drops were within limits. An idle mixture check was performed and the engine was shut down.

The wreckage was released to Max Allen, Allen Aero Service Inc., on June 16, 1997.