# NTSB NYC88LA015: Cessna 152, N310DW, Pepperell, MA, October 24, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 24, 1987, 17:50 local (21:50 UTC)
- Place: Pepperell, MA
- Location: 42.6748° N, 71.5922° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pepperell, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.6748&lon=-71.5922&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 26, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 36040
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC88LA015
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/36040/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC88LA015

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - fluid,fuel - exhaustion (cause)
  - fuel supply - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - in-flight planning/decision - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose down, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - open field
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

A STUDENT PILOT ON A CROSS COUNTRY TRAINING FLIGHT EXPERIENCED FUEL EXHAUSTION AT ABOUT 3500 FEET. THE PILOT STATED THAT WHEN THE ENGINE LOST POWER HE CONTACTED APPROACH CONTROL ON 121.5 BUT DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT ALTITUDE TO MAKE IT TO AN AIRPORT. THE AIRCRAFT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CORN FIELD. THE ACFT FUEL TANKS HOLD 24.5 GALS OF USEABLE FUEL. THE ACFT BURNS 6 GPH AT 2400 RPM AT 4000 FT. MANY FACTORS CAN ALTER FUEL CONSUMPTION SUCH AS LEANING TECHNIQUE AND CONDITION OF ENGINE. THIS ENG HAD 1372 HOURS FLT TIME. ON THIS FLT THE PLT FLEW 4 PLUS HRS PRIOR TO THE LOSS OF POWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N310DW](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N310DW-2013-01-24), registration cancelled 2013-01-24, S/N 15285761, built 1983 (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: 15285761
- Airframe hours: 1373
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-N2C 108 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Registered owner: Daniel Webster College
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility
- Last inspection: 100 hour, October 6, 1987
- Departed: ALB, ALBANY, NY
- Destination: ASH, NASHUA, NH
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 56 total, 56 in this make and model, 13 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 250° at 17 knots
- Visibility: 6 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Observed at: BED

## 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 19871024060469A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871024060469A), Oct 24, 1987: Cessna 152, Pepperell, MA, Substantial damage. Engine quit en route. Nosed over on landing. Some fuel in system. Possible lean mixture or carb ice.

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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