What happened
On May 4, 1996, a Cessna 150 departed from Itzehoe at 17:11 CEST for a sightseeing flight carrying the pilot and one passenger. Approximately 27 minutes into the flight, the engine failed. In response to the loss of power, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field of low-growing crops near Hohenlock and Hohenlockstedt.
During the approach, the pilot maintained a flap setting of only 15 degrees. This configuration caused the high-wing aircraft to overshoot the intended landing area, striking trees and bushes located on the embankment of a railway embankment. The impact resulted in heavy damage to the aircraft and minor damage to property on the ground, though there were no injuries to the occupants.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the fuel state and engine performance. Analysis of the aircraft's logbook and fuel records established that the average hourly fuel consumption over the previous 12 hours was 22.8 liters, with no mechanical deficiencies noted. A post-accident engine test run also revealed no operational issues.
Upon inspection of the fuel system, investigators found the tanks nearly empty, containing only an unpumpable residual amount of approximately 3 liters. While the right tank indicator showed "empty" once the ignition was switched on, the left tank indicator showed the needle positioned slightly above the red radial line.