On June 19, 2006, a Cessna 150K (registration N6255G) was involved in an aviation accident near Shelton, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate in-flight decision by failing to refuel while en route, resulting in fuel exhaustion and the loss of engine power. Compensation for weather (head winds), and trees were factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a loss of engine power on final approach at Shelton, Washington, after a flight from Ephrata with an interim stop. Fuel check revealed only 1.25 gallons drained from tanks with 26-gallon capacity.
Incident Details
A pilot reported experiencing a loss of engine power while on a 2-mile final approach to Shelton, Washington. The pilot had initially departed from Ephrata, Washington, with 3 hours of fuel for a 145-nautical-mile trip expected to take 1.3 hours. An interim full-stop landing was made at Ellensburg, Washington.
Pilot Report
The pilot stated that after departing from Ephrata, he encountered very heavy winds until west of the Cascade mountains. He reported that the engine power was lost on short final at Shelton.
Fuel Inspection
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector disconnected the fuel line to the carburetor and drained approximately 1.25 gallons of fuel from the tanks. According to the manufacturer's Owners Manual, the airplane's fuel capacity is 26 gallons, of which 3.5 gallons are unusable. No other mechanical issues were reported.