On July 9, 1989, a Cessna 152 (registration N4680P) operated by Atp was involved in an aviation accident near Vero Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A student pilot experienced engine power loss during a solo cross-country training flight near Vero Beach, resulting in a nose gear collapse upon landing.
What happened
A student pilot departed on a solo cross-country training flight. Prior to departure, the pilot was advised that the aircraft had flown approximately 1.2 hours since it was last refueled. During the approach for the second-to-last landing stop at Vero Beach, the engine lost power. Subsequently, the nose gear collapsed when the pilot landed in a soft field.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft after the accident revealed that no usable fuel was found in the aircraft.
Findings
The primary contributing factor to this incident was fuel exhaustion. The lack of usable fuel led directly to the engine power loss and the subsequent hard landing with gear collapse.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
What happened in the 9 Jul 1989 Cessna 152 accident near Vero Beach, FL?
A student pilot experienced engine power loss during a solo cross-country training flight near Vero Beach, resulting in a nose gear collapse upon landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 9 Jul 1989 involved a Cessna 152, registration N4680P, operated by Atp, at Vero Beach, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to ensure adequate fuel for the flight, resulting in fuel exhaustion.
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