On March 10, 1996, a Cessna 152U (registration N68129) operated by Mike Ulmer was involved in an aviation accident near Rincon, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Inaccurate fuel consumption calculations by the pilot, and an inadequate supply of fuel, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent nose over of the airplane, during a forced landing on uneven terrain with high vegetation (small trees). This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Cessna 152 experienced engine roughness during landing clearance and made a forced landing, colliding with trees and nosing over. No injuries. Postaccident investigation found empty fuel tanks and engine was operational.
Accident Overview
At approximately the time the flight was cleared to land at the destination airport, the engine began to run roughly. The pilot selected a forced landing site. He reported that the mixture was at full rich and carburetor heat had been applied when the loss of engine power occurred. During the landing, the airplane collided with trees of small diameter. As the airplane rolled out, the nose wheel hit a mound of dirt, and the airplane nosed over. The pilot and passenger exited the airplane without injury.
Investigation Findings
A postaccident investigation revealed that there was no fuel in the airplane fuel tanks and no fuel or fuel residue on the ground at the accident site. During a postaccident engine run, the engine was fully operational. The pilot reported his planned flight time en route to his destination to be three hours and seventeen minutes at 75% power setting. According to the Cessna 152 flight manual, the maximum endurance at 75% power (allowing for unusable fuel) was three hours and five minutes.
Probable Cause
The investigation report did not state a probable cause.