Accident Overview
On July 30, 2022, at approximately 1450 central daylight time, a Cessna 150E airplane, registration N6212Y, was substantially damaged in an accident near Marshall, Texas. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a solo instructional flight. The student pilot reported no injuries.
Sequence of Events
The student pilot stated that while en route to his home airport, the engine rpm momentarily decreased. When the rpm decreased a second time, the pilot notified air traffic control of engine issues. He applied carburetor heat, which temporarily restored engine power, but shortly thereafter the engine lost total power. Unable to reach the destination airport, the pilot performed a forced landing to a field. During the landing rollout, the airplane collided with trees and a fence line, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and fuselage.
Post-Accident Examination
A responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airframe. Both the left and right fuel tanks were empty when checked with a dipstick, and no fuel was present when either tank was sumped. Approximately 7 ounces of fuel were sumped from the fuel strainer.
After the airplane was moved to a hangar, the student pilot reported draining an additional empty water bottle of fuel from the bottom of the engine. He also stated that he started the engine and it ran for about 10 minutes before quitting.
Fuel and Flight Time Calculations
Fuel range and endurance calculations were performed using ADS-B data and the student pilot’s statements. The student had fully fueled the airplane the morning of the accident and departed to another airport to meet with an instructor. There, the student and instructor conducted several takeoffs, landings, and airwork. The instructor then flew the airplane solo for several additional takeoffs and landings. The student pilot was signed off for a solo flight, and the accident occurred on the return leg to his home airport.
The total flight time since fueling was calculated to be about 4 hours. The student reported using full rich mixture during flight and estimated fuel consumption at about 6 gallons per hour. The total fuel capacity of the airplane was 26 gallons, of which 22.5 gallons were listed as usable.