On May 3, 2009, a CESSNA 152 operated by T & M Aviation, INC was involved in an aviation accident near Opelousas, LA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to flight. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A commercial pilot performed a forced landing in a rain-soaked field after losing engine power on approach. The nose gear collapsed upon touchdown. No injuries were reported.
Incident Overview
A commercial pilot was conducting an approach to his destination airport when the single-engine airplane experienced a loss of power at an altitude of approximately 500 feet above ground level. The pilot executed a forced landing to a rain-soaked field located about 8 miles north of the runway.
Landing and Damage
Upon touchdown, the nose gear sank into the muddy terrain and collapsed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot and passenger were not injured.
Fuel Status
According to the pilot, the airplane had approximately 15 gallons of fuel on board at the time of departure. An on-scene inspection of the fuel tanks revealed 2 1/2 gallons in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank. The aircraft manual specifies that 1 1/2 gallons of fuel is unusable in the tanks.
What happened in the 3 May 2009 CESSNA 152 accident near Opelousas, LA?
A commercial pilot performed a forced landing in a rain-soaked field after losing engine power on approach. The nose gear collapsed upon touchdown. No injuries were reported.
Were there any fatalities in the 3 May 2009 CESSNA 152 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 3 May 2009 involved a CESSNA 152, operated by T & M Aviation, INC, at Opelousas, LA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot's failure to refuel the airplane prior to flight.
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