# NTSB MKC89LA172: Cessna 152, N757HY, Ft Smith, AR, July 31, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1989, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Ft Smith, AR
- Coordinates: 35.369812, -94.420433 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.3698&lon=-94.4204&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 18, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34841
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC89LA172
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34841/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC89LA172

## Probable cause

INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT BY THE PILOT WHICH RESULTED IN FUEL EXHAUSTION DUE TO AN INADEQUATE SUPPLY OF FUEL. A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR WAS THE ROAD SIGN.

## 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
  - aircraft preflight - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - roadway/highway
  - object - sign (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT SAID THAT DURING THE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE LOST POWER ABOUT 10 MILES SHORT OF HIS DESTINATION. HE MADE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON A HIGHWAY, BUT DURING THE ROLL-OUT, THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A ROAD SIGN AND WAS DAMAGED. THE PILOT HAD STOPPED EN ROUTE AND PURCHASED 5.1 GALLONS OF FUEL. A POST-ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE FUEL TANKS WERE EMPTY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N757HY](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N757HY), registered now, S/N 15279764, built 1977 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15279764
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Smith, John
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Departed: HOT, HOT SPRINGS, AR
- Destination: FSM, FORT SMITH, AR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 361 total, 288 in this make and model, 343 as pilot in command, 6 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FSM, 15 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 19890731029589A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890731029589A), Jul 31, 1989: Cessna 152, Ft Smith, AR, Substantial damage. Purchased only 5 gallons of fuel then ran out 10 miles short of destination. Landing on road, struck a highway sign

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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