On September 8, 2003, a Cessna 150F (registration N8158S) was involved in an aviation accident near Knox City, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine power loss. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot experienced engine failure during a cross-country flight due to not refueling prior to departure, resulting in a forced landing in a field with no fuel found at the site.
What happened
The accident occurred during a return cross-country flight operated by a student pilot. Prior to departure, the pilot failed to refuel the airplane, leaving it with insufficient fuel for the planned journey. Approximately 25 miles from the intended destination, the aircraft began a slow descent to an altitude of approximately 3,500 feet mean sea level (msl). This descent was initiated roughly 10 miles from the airport.
During this phase of flight, the engine lost power. The pilot subsequently initiated a forced landing into a nearby field. Upon arrival at the accident site, investigators found no evidence of fuel remaining in the aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the accident site revealed no traces of fuel, confirming that the aircraft had been completely depleted of its fuel supply during the flight.
Probable cause
The student pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to departure, which resulted in fuel exhaustion and subsequent engine power loss.