# NTSB NYC84LA017: Cessna 152, N89940, Skaneateles, NY, October 31, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 31, 1983, 00:30 local (04:30 UTC)
- Place: Skaneateles, NY
- Coordinates: 42.890815, -76.370269 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8908&lon=-76.3703&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 35458
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC84LA017
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/35458/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC84LA017

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, maneuvering - turn to landing area (emergency)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - lack of familiarity with aircraft, pilot in command (cause)
  - procedures/directives - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - refueling - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - performance data - inaccurate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - open field (contributing factor)
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT AFTER RETURNING FROM A X-CTRY FLIGHT HE WAS UNABLE TO ACTIVATE THE ARPT RWY LIGHTS. LOW ON FUEL, THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE HE SEARCHED FOR A PLACE TO LAND. HE EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING INTO AN OPEN FIELD. THE PILOT STATEDHE SHOULD NOT HAVE TRUSTED THE FUEL GAUGES AND SHOULD HAVE GOTTEN MORE FAMILIAR WITH THE FUEL CONSUMPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE ACFT BEFORE THE NIGHT X-CTRY FLIGHT. ACCORDING TO THE AIRPORT OWNER AT LEAST ONE AIRCRAFT DID ACTIVATE THE LIGHTS ON THE SAME NIGHT OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N89940](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N89940-2012-07-31), registration cancelled 2012-07-31, S/N 15282922, built 1978 (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
- Airframe hours: 1261
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Charles F. Demayo
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 26, 1983, 40 hours before
- Departed: RICHMOND, VA
- Destination: MARCELLUS, NY
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 67 total, 40 in this make and model, 49 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/dark
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 36 °F

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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