Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI90LA078

ELKHART, IN, USA

Aircraft #1

N4931M

CESSNA 152

Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT ENGINE LOST POWER. HE MADE A FORCED LANDING AT NIGHT IN AN OPEN FIELD, AND THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. INVESTIGATORS DRAINED A TOTAL OF 1-1/2 GALLONS OF FUEL FROM THE WING FUEL TANKS. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE ENCOUNTERED UNEXPECTED, STRONG HEADWINDS DURING THE CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT.

Probable Cause and Findings

THE PILOT'S IMPROPER IN-FLIGHT PLANNING/DECISION AND INADEQUATE FUEL CONSUMPTION CALCULATIONS, WHICH RESULTED IN A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER & SUBSEQUENT OFF-AIRPORT FORCED LANDING. THE STRONGER THAN ANTICIPATED WIND ALOFT WAS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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