# NTSB NYC86LA146: Cessna 152, N31SD, Middletown, CT, June 3, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 3, 1986, 15:50 local (19:50 UTC)
- Place: Middletown, CT
- Location: 41.5623° N, 72.6506° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Middletown, CT, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5623&lon=-72.6506&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 30352
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC86LA146
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/30352/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC86LA146

## 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 consumption calculations - inadequate, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Ditching, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - water,rough (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE STUDENT PILOT WAS ON THE THIRD LEG OF AN APPROVED THREE LEG CROSS COUNTRY SOLO FLIGHT. HE WAS INSTRUCTED TO REFUEL AT THE SECOND STOP. HOWEVER, HE MADE A DECISION NOT TO REFUEL SINCE THE FUEL TANKS INDICATED ABOUT 1/2 FULL. THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES SHORT OF THE DESTINATION & THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN THE CONNECTICUT RIVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N31SD](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N31SD-2024-10-24), registration cancelled 2024-10-24, S/N 15285080 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 152
- Registry model: [Cessna 152](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-152) (registry code 2071835) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15285080
- Airframe hours: 1504
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 110 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Air Service, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 30, 1986, 52 hours before
- Departed: HYA, HYANNIS, CT
- Destination: MMK, MERIDEN, CT
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 29 total, 21 in this make and model, 19 as pilot in command, 16 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 16 knots
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F

## 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 19860603021549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860603021549A), Jun 3, 1986: Cessna 152, Portland, CT, Substantial damage. The engine failed from fuel exhaustion and aircraft was ditched in a river. Student failed to refuel as instructed

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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