On May 21, 2006, a Cessna 150M (registration N714BL) operated by Harley W. Hollingsworth was involved in an aviation accident near Ardmore, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's inadequate preflight planning. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A 79-hour private pilot, on a cross-country flight, attempted to stop at an airport but found services closed. While en route to an alternate airport, the engine lost power, leading to a forced landing in a field where the airplane collided with trees.
Incident Overview
A private pilot with 79 hours of flight experience was conducting a 697-nautical mile cross-country flight. Approximately 209 nautical miles from the departure point, the pilot decided to stop for the night at an airport. Upon landing, he discovered that all airport services were closed. The pilot then contacted the fixed base operator (FBO) at a nearby airport and chose to fly there to spend the night.
Power Loss and Forced Landing
While en route to the second airport, the aircraft's engine lost power. The pilot elected to execute a forced landing to a vacant field. During the landing, the airplane collided with trees.
Pilot Report and Post-Accident Examination
According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the pilot reported that he departed the initial stop airport with 3 gallons of fuel on board and that the intended destination was approximately 11 miles away. An FAA inspector who responded to the accident scene examined the airplane and found no fuel in the fuel system.