On 19 Mar 2011, a CESSNA 150M operated by Mesquite Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Garland, TX. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 13 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot reported engine power loss during a 58-mile flight, leading to a forced landing on a terraced field. Sunlight obscured a terrace, causing nose gear impact and substantial firewall damage. No usable fuel remained in the tanks after the accident.
Accident Overview
A pilot experienced a loss of engine power while en route to a destination approximately 58 miles from the departure point. The pilot had reported that the airplane was carrying 24 gallons of fuel at the time of departure. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing on a terraced field.
Landing and Impact
During the landing, sunlight created glare that prevented the pilot from seeing a terrace in the field. The airplane's nose landing gear struck the terrace, resulting in substantial damage to the firewall. The pilot later indicated that the accident flight involved no mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Post-Accident Examination
An on-scene examination of the wreckage revealed that no usable fuel remained in the airplane's fuel tanks. The pilot's accident report did not specify any mechanical issues that could have contributed to the loss of engine power.