Primary finding
Probable cause
The failure of the pilot-in-command to refuel the aircraft resulting in loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated the engine lost power. He made a forced landing in a field and the airplane nosed over on landing roll out. The pilot stated he had no mechanical malfunctions with the engine and that the accident could have been prevented by refueling the aircraft. The aircraft had flown 3.6 hours since last refueling.
Source record
Factual narrative
On April 7, 1995, about 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 152, N714WW, registered to National Aircraft Sales, Inc., leased to and operated by Stringer Aviation, Inc., nosed over during the landing roll following a forced landing near Laurel, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 business flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private-rated pilot and one passenger were not injured. The flight last departed about 1445 from the Greenville Municipal Airport, Greenville, Mississippi. The pilot stated he departed Laurel, Mississippi and flew to Greenville, Mississippi. The flying time was 1.5 hours. On departure from Greenville at 1445, to return to Laurel, he estimated he had 14.9 gallons of fuel. En route the flight encountered strong headwinds. At about 1700, when 10 miles from the Laurel Airport, the engine lost power. He made a forced landing in a field and the aircraft nosed over. The pilot stated in the NTSB accident report that he experienced no mechanical malfunctions. He stated the accident could have been prevented by refueling the aircraft. -