On August 2, 1991, a Cessna C-152 (registration N757PR) operated by Roy R. Olson was involved in an aviation accident near W. Yellowstone, MT. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE BY THE PILOT TO CALCULATE AIRCRAFT FUEL COMSUMPTION AND THE PILOT'S POOR INFLIGHT PLANNING. FACTORS RELATING TO THE ACCIDENT WERE THE INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT PLANNING BY THE PILOT, HIS LACK OF QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE, AND HIS DISORIENTATION… This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot became lost during a cross-country flight, did not calculate fuel consumption, and made a precautionary landing on a public road. The aircraft struck a sign and a guard rail. About 9 gallons of fuel remained in the 26-gallon tanks. The pilot lacked a required instrument endorsement.
Accident Narrative
During a cross-country flight, the pilot became lost and disoriented after flying off the available maps. The pilot did not calculate fuel consumption. Believing fuel was low, the pilot elected to make a precautionary landing on a public road. During the landing roll, the aircraft struck a sign, swerved right, and impacted a guard rail.
Fuel
The aircraft's fuel tanks have a capacity of 26 gallons. After the accident, approximately 9 gallons of fuel were drained from the tanks.
Pilot Qualifications
The student pilot did not have the required instrument endorsement for the flight.