# NTSB WPR15LA103: Cessna 150M, N827CH, Layton, UT, February 14, 2015 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: February 14, 2015, 10:20 local (17:20 UTC) - Place: Layton, UT - Coordinates: 41.060276, -111.971107 - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0603&lon=-111.9711&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Enroute-cruise: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) - Highest injury: Serious injuries - Injuries: 1 serious, 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report February 3, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Western Pacific Region - Parties: Textron Aviation, Federal Aviation Administration - NTSB case key (mKey): 90726 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=WPR15LA103 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/90726/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90726 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/WPR15LA103 ## Probable cause The total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion, which resulted from the pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel planning, which did not account for the increased headwind. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Inadequate inspection (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Planning/preparation: fuel planning](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 9 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 719 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02061030/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid management (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Wind](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034000): Environmental issues › Conditions/weather/phenomena · Effect on operation (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034000/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 110 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03034000/cases.md) - [Fluids: fuel](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010): Aircraft › Fluids/misc hardware · Fluid level (probable cause); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 1,695 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01071010/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: tree(s)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Not specified; cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 933 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022020/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Enroute-cruise: Fuel exhaustion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192) (defining event); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 11 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 804 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/192/sequence.md) - [Enroute-cruise: Loss of engine power (total)](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 20 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 3,820 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/341/sequence.md) - [Emergency descent: Off-field or emergency landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 17 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 3,365 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/440/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision with terr/obj (non-CFIT) ](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470); cases with it: [Cessna 150M, 39 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md?model=2071830), [All aircraft, 10,189 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/470/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot reported that the airplane departed with about 8 gallons of fuel on board for a cross-country flight. While the airplane was en route and about 1,200 ft above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot then completed the emergency procedures to restore power without success. The pilot chose to make an emergency landing on a golf course. During the landing sequence, the pilot intentionally impacted a tree with the airplane's right wing to reduce forward speed, after which the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported that, due to a headwind that the airplane encountered en route, there was insufficient fuel to reach his destination airport. A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would precluded normal operation. It is likely that the engine lost power due to fuel exhaustion because the pilot did not account for an increased headwind. ## Factual narrative On February 14, 2015, about 1020 mountain standard time, a Cessna 150M, N827CH, was substantially damaged following loss of engine power, which resulted in a forced landing and impact with terrain near Layton, Utah. The private pilot was not injured, while the sole passenger was seriously injured. The airplane was registered to Aero Services LLC, Centerville, Utah. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal cross-country flight, which was operated in accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Logan-Cache Airport (LGU), Logan, Utah, about 0940, with the planned destination being Sky Park Airport (BTF), Bountiful, Utah. In a statement submitted to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge (IIC), the pilot reported that about 15 miles north of BTF the engine rpm started dropping off from 2,400 rpm, and the airspeed was decreasing from 80 mph. The pilot stated that he then began using emergency procedures to restore engine rpm; rich mixture, added carburetor heat, and pumped the throttle lever, but he was not able to restore engine power. The pilot then elected to make an emergency landing to a golf course. During the approach and landing sequence the pilot intentionally impacted a tree with the airplane's right wing to reduce speed. The airplane subsequently came to rest inverted in a sand trap on the golf course. In a statement submitted to the NTSB IIC, the owner of the airplane reported that in a voice mail that was left for him by the accident pilot, the pilot stated that he had departed LGU for BTF, and that he had dipped the tanks, which indicated 8 gallons total for the flight. The accident pilot further stated that there were headwinds that day, and the fuel he had onboard was not enough to make it back [to BTF]. Under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) aviation safety inspector, an examination of the airframe was performed by a Textron Aviation Senior Air Safety Investigator on February 17, 2015. The results of the examination revealed no anomalies with the airframe, inclusive of the airplane's fuel system, that would have precluded normal operation. (Refer to the Summary of Airframe Examination, which is appended to the docket for this report.) Under the supervision of a FAA aviation safety inspector, on December 1, 2015, an examination of the engine was performed by a licensed FAA airframe and powerplant mechanic. As a result of the examination, the mechanic reported that engine compression was checked by turning the propeller by hand, as well as valve train continuity, with no anomalies reported. Additionally, the ignition system was inspected and tested. Solid blue spark was observed on all 8 ignition leads, and the magneto timing was found to be set to the manufacturer's specifications. The mechanic observed that all spark plugs were examined and appeared to be in nearly new condition, with somenormal carbon deposits observed below the electrodes, but none across the electrodes. Examination of the carburetor revealed that the finger screen was clean with no debris noted, and that the needle and seat were observed without any faults detected. Further, there was no accumulation of any sediment or corrosion in the bottom of the float bowl. Additionally, an inspection of the oil filter revealed no metal or abnormal indications observed. The mechanic reported no anomalies with the engine that would have precluded normal operation. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N827CH](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N827CH-2018-06-01), registration cancelled 2018-06-01, S/N 15076202, built 1974 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CESSNA 150M - Registry model: [Cessna 150M](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150m) (registry code 2071830) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 15076202 - Year built: 1974 - Airframe hours: 5697 - Engines: Continental Motors O-200 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Utility - Last inspection: Annual, January 30, 2015, 10 hours before - Departed: LGU, Logan, UT - Destination: BTF, Woods Cross, UT - Equipment: Stall warning system ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 80; injuries: none; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review January 31, 2015; seat: left; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 4,000 total, 12 in this make and model, 4,000 as pilot in command, 12 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 10° at 3 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 25 °F - Altimeter: 30.23 inHg - Observed at: OGD, 10 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 20150214001209A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20150214001209A), Feb 14, 2015: Cessna 150M, Layton, UT, Substantial damage. Pilot departed logan, UT (lgu) for bountiful, UT (btf) at approximately 9:30 a.m. on 2/14/2015. According to pilot statement he had 8 gallons of fuel when he… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on January 4, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=90726. 8.7 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 7.3 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435299&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Weather Data (item 2, .PDF, 267 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435300&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Data-Master.PDF - Statement of Aircraft Owner (item 3, .PDF, 197 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435301&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Aircraft%20Owner-Master.PDF - Engine Examination Report (item 4, .PDF, 380 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435302&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Engine%20Examination%20Report-Master.PDF - Summary of Airframe Examination (item 5, .PDF, 133 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435303&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Summary%20of%20Airframe%20Examination-Master.PDF - Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigation (item 6, .PDF, 350 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435304&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Statement%20of%20Party%20Representatives%20to%20NTSB%20Investigation-Master.PDF - Release of Aircraft Wreckage, NTSB Form 6120.15 (item 7, .PDF, 111 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40435305&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Release%20of%20Aircraft%20Wreckage,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.15-Master.PDF 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.