On June 13, 2006, a Cessna 150M (registration N7579U) was involved in an aviation accident near Shelby, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The student pilot's improper preflight inspection and his failure to refuel the airplane resulting in fuel exhaustion and subsequent loss of engine power. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot lost engine power near Shelby Municipal Airport, made an emergency landing on a road, then swerved to avoid a car and hit a tree. No fuel was found in the tanks.
Accident Details
A student pilot flying from Greensboro Southeast Airport to Shelby Municipal Airport experienced a complete loss of engine power approximately five miles from the destination. The pilot executed an emergency landing on a road near the airport. During the landing roll, the student turned the aircraft to avoid a car, resulting in a collision with a tree.
Post-Accident Examination
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft following the accident. The inspection revealed no fuel in either the left or right fuel tanks. No evidence of fuel leaks was observed, and there was no smell of fuel around the aircraft.
Further Information
The student pilot was the sole occupant of the aircraft. The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, or extent of damage. No injuries were reported in the source.