On December 8, 2004, a Cessna 150J (registration N60469) was involved in an aviation accident near Amado, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inaccurate fuel consumption calculations and failure to refuel the airplane at the intermediate stop, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot became disoriented during a cross-country flight, landed to ask for directions, then departed. Low fuel led to engine failure and an off-airport landing where the airplane struck a mesquite tree and came to rest inverted. No fuel was found in the tanks.
Accident Details
During a cross-country flight, the pilot became disoriented and lost. He landed at an airport he encountered and obtained directions to his original destination. After departing, while in the area of Amado, the pilot decided to attempt a landing due to a low fuel state. As he was setting up for landing, the engine quit running. An off-airport landing was attempted, and during the landing sequence, the airplane struck a mesquite tree. The aircraft came to rest inverted following the impact.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported to aircraft recovery personnel that he had run out of fuel. He further stated that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Investigation Findings
Examination by the recovery firm revealed that the airplane's fuel system was intact. No fuel was found either in the fuel tanks or on the ground at the accident site.