On September 13, 2000, a Cessna 150H (registration N22237) was involved in an aviation accident near Ontario, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot-in-command/flight instructor's failure to adequately refuel the aircraft, resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his subsequent high flare in a forced landing attempt, resulting in a stall and touchdown/impact on the nose gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine power loss at 100 feet. The instructor performed a forced landing in a field, but a high flare resulted in a nose-low touchdown that sheared the nose gear.
Event Summary
On the third touch-and-go takeoff from runway 32, the aircraft reached an altitude of 100 feet and an airspeed of 65 to 70 knots when the engine lost power. The instructor took control and attempted a forced landing in a mowed alfalfa field off the departure end of the runway. During the landing, the instructor flared slightly high, causing the nose to drop as the aircraft touched down. The aircraft touched down in a nose-low attitude, which sheared the nose gear and supporting structure from the aircraft.
The aircraft had taken off with between one-quarter and one-half fuel and had been flying for approximately 30 to 45 minutes performing air work and touch-and-go landings prior to the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the aircraft's fuel system recovered a total of 2.5 quarts of fuel. The aircraft has a total fuel capacity of 26 gallons, of which 3.5 gallons are considered unusable.
What happened in the 13 Sept 2000 Cessna 150H accident near Ontario, OR?
During a touch-and-go takeoff, the aircraft experienced an engine power loss at 100 feet. The instructor performed a forced landing in a field, but a high flare resulted in a nose-low touchdown that sheared the nose gear.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 13 Sept 2000 involved a Cessna 150H, registration N22237, at Ontario, OR.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot-in-command/flight instructor's failure to adequately refuel the aircraft, resulting in fuel exhaustion, and his subsequent high flare in a forced landing attempt, resulting in a stall and touchdown/impact on the nose gear.
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