Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot-in-command's failure to assure an adequate amount of fuel was available for the flight.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and safety pilot were on the return leg of a cross-country flight; no flight plan had been filed. During approach to the destination airport the engine lost power, and the airplane collided with terrain in a clay pit 1/4 mile from the runway. A postaccident investigation revealed that there was less than 1/2 gallon of fuel left in the tanks, and there was no fuel found in the carburetor.
Source record
Factual narrative
On December 13, 1995, about 0255 eastern standard time, N48959, a Cessna 152 operated by Southeast School of Aeronautics as a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight, crashed in Macon, Georgia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries. The safety pilot received serious injuries. The flight originated from Augusta, Georgia, around 2300 the previous night. The airplane ELT was first heard about 0255 and search crews found the wreckage about 0700. The airplane was located about 1/4 mile from the Herbert Smart Downtown Airport. A postaccident investigation by FAA inspectors revealed that there was less than 1/2 gallon of fuel in the fuel tanks. There was no evidence of fuel spillage and there was no fuel found in the carburetor. -