Casualties unknown

Fuel Exhaustion and Stall During Emergency Landing Attempt in Arizona (N60126)

Flagstaff, AZ, US

On April 24, 1986, a Cessna 150J (registration N60126) operated by Lloyd C. Hawken was involved in an aviation accident near Flagstaff, AZ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot experienced a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion during a return flight from Page to Cottonwood, Arizona. An emergency landing was attempted, but the aircraft stalled and collided with the ground after encountering unmarked powerlines.

Overview

A pilot conducting a round-robin flight from Cottonwood, Arizona to Page, Arizona and return encountered a total loss of power during the return leg. The aircraft subsequently stalled and collided with the ground during an emergency landing attempt.

Flight Details

The pilot had landed at Page, Arizona before beginning the return leg. While en route, the pilot observed that the fuel gauges indicated 'low' and decided to divert to Flagstaff, Arizona.

Accident Sequence

As the aircraft was flying northeast of Flagstaff Airport, it sustained a complete loss of power. During the ensuing emergency landing to a road, the pilot observed unmarked powerlines crossing the road. The pilot attempted to 'pull up over the powerlines,' but the aircraft stalled and subsequently collided with the ground.

Post-Accident Findings

A post-accident examination of the wreckage disclosed no evidence of any fuel. The exact flight time could not be determined. Fuel consumption calculations based on the pilot's stated route of flight and the takeoff and landing disclosed that the aircraft should have consumed 20.8 gallons of fuel. The aircraft has 22.5 gallons of usable fuel. The calculations assume optimum weather conditions and pilot techniques.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 24 Apr 1986 Cessna 150J accident near Flagstaff, AZ?

A pilot experienced a total loss of power due to fuel exhaustion during a return flight from Page to Cottonwood, Arizona. An emergency landing was attempted, but the aircraft stalled and collided with the ground after encountering unmarked powerlines.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 24 Apr 1986 involved a Cessna 150J, registration N60126, operated by Lloyd C. Hawken, at Flagstaff, AZ.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X33326. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.