# NTSB NYC08CA080: Cessna C-152, N48251, Labelle, FL, January 11, 2008 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report - Date: January 11, 2008, 13:00 local (18:00 UTC) - Place: Labelle, FL - Coordinates: 26.778888, -81.43222 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=26.7789&lon=-81.4322&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 28, 2008 - Report: Approved by Office Director - Parties: FAA/FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 67370 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC08CA080 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/67370/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC08CA080 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper decision to takeoff from an inadequate field after a forced landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 33 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Terrain: rough terrain](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Cessna 152, 6 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 442 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03021015/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Takeoff: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 152, 37 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=2071835), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The pilot of the Cessna 152 fueled the airplane to full tanks, prior to departure. He planned for his flight to take approximately 3 hours, and his past experience led him to estimate a 4-hour endurance for the airplane. After approximately 2.7 hours, the engine began to run rough, and the pilot diverted to a nearby airport. The engine continued to lose power, and the pilot decided to land in a field, when he realized he would not be able to make it to the airport. After landing, the pilot observed that the left fuel tank was empty. The right fuel tank contained fuel, and its fuel gauge indicated 1/4 tank full. The pilot then decided to add fuel to the airplane and take off from the field. During the attempted takeoff, the airplane struck a rut in the grass and nosed over, substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. ## Factual narrative The pilot of the Cessna 152 fueled the airplane to full tanks, prior to departure. He planned for his flight to take approximately 3 hours, and his past experience led him to estimate a 4-hour endurance for the airplane. After approximately 2.7 hours, the engine began to run rough, and the pilot diverted to a nearby airport. The engine continued to lose power, and the pilot decided to land in a field, when he realized he would not be able to make it to the airport. After landing, the pilot observed that the left fuel tank was empty. The right fuel tank contained fuel, and its fuel gauge indicated 1/4 tank full. The pilot then decided to add fuel to the airplane and take off from the field. During the attempted takeoff, the airplane struck a rut in the grass and nosed over, substantially damaging the wings and fuselage. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N48251](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N48251-2013-04-18), registration cancelled 2013-04-18, S/N 15283311, built 1979 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Cessna C-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: 15283311 - Airframe hours: 10875 - Engines: Lycoming O-235 reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: N120ft Inc - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: 100 hour, December 1, 2007 - Departed: OCF, Ocala, FL - Destination: IMM, Immokalee, FL ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 25; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, without waivers/limitations; last flight review December 1, 2007; seat: left; flight hours: 130 total, 128 in this make and model, 82 as pilot in command, 66 in the last 90 days, 66 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 170° at 10 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken - Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 63 °F - Altimeter: 29.95 inHg - Observed at: RSW, 22 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 20080111014379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20080111014379A), Jan 11, 2008: Cessna 152, Glades County, FL, Substantial damage. (-23) Aircraft had landed in a field approximately 7 miles north of la belle airport (X14), Glades County Florida. The pilot elected to take off from the field… ## Other investigations on N48251 (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 NYC85LA142](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC85LA142), Jun 30, 1985: Cessna 152 (N48251), Hartford, CT, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.