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Student Pilot Makes Forced Landing After Fuel Exhaustion (N94512)

Newtonville, NJ, US

On May 15, 1991, a Cessna 152 II (registration N94512) operated by Albert C. Lewis was involved in an aviation accident near Newtonville, NJ. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE STUDENT PILOT DELAYED ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE, AFTER BECOMING LOST UNTIL INSUFFICIENT FUEL WAS AVAILABLE TO MAKE AN AIRPORT. THIS RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND A SUBSEQUENT EMERGENCY LANDING IN ROUGH TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight became lost and disoriented, spent 45 minutes trying to locate herself, and contacted a flight service station with 15 minutes of fuel remaining, leading to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in a field.

Summary

A student pilot conducting a solo cross-country flight encountered navigational difficulties, resulting in fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in a field.

Sequence of Events

During the flight, the student pilot became lost and disoriented. She spent approximately 45 minutes attempting to determine her location without success. With about 15 minutes of fuel remaining, she contacted a flight service station by radio. However, this proved to be insufficient time for the station to provide effective assistance. Subsequently, fuel exhaustion occurred, and the pilot executed an emergency forced landing in a field.

Outcome

The aircraft came to rest in the field after the forced landing. No further details about the condition of the aircraft or the pilot were provided in the source.

Engine failureFuel exhaustion & starvation

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 15 May 1991 Cessna 152 II accident near Newtonville, NJ?

A student pilot on a solo cross-country flight became lost and disoriented, spent 45 minutes trying to locate herself, and contacted a flight service station with 15 minutes of fuel remaining, leading to fuel exhaustion and a forced landing in a field.

Were there any fatalities in the 15 May 1991 Cessna 152 II accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 15 May 1991 involved a Cessna 152 II, registration N94512, operated by Albert C. Lewis, at Newtonville, NJ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

PILOT FACTOR IN THAT THE STUDENT PILOT DELAYED ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE, AFTER BECOMING LOST UNTIL INSUFFICIENT FUEL WAS AVAILABLE TO MAKE AN AIRPORT. THIS RESULTED IN ENGINE FAILURE TO FUEL EXHAUSTION AND A SUBSEQUENT EMERGENCY LANDING IN ROUGH TERRAIN.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X17105. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.