Primary finding
Probable cause
The fuel exhaustion induced power loss and the failure of the pilot to refuel. A factor was the lack of suitable terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During takeoff initial climb, the airplane lost total engine power. The pilot executed an emergency landing and attempted to return to the departure runway, however, he was unable to do so and was forced to land on unsuitable, rough and uneven, terrain. An on site investigation revealed that there was no fuel spillage and no usable fuel in the fuel cells.
Source record
Factual narrative
On March 27, 1993, at approximately 1215 central standard time (CST), a Cessna 150C, N2015Z, was substantially damaged following a forced landing during the initial climb following a takeoff from El Paso International Airport, El Paso, Texas. The private pilot, who was also the owner, was not injured. Information provided by the pilot to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that he had taken off and during the initial climb he lost total engine power. He further reported that he attempted to return to the runway, however, he was unable to and was forced to land in an adjoining unsuitable area. -