POINT LOBOS, CA, USA
N45477
CESSNA 150
THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HIS STANDARD PROCEDURE WAS TO KEEP THE FUEL TANKS TOPPED OFF. HOWEVER, THE REFUELING FACILITY WAS CLOSED AFTER HE RETURNED FROM THE PREVIOUS FLIGHT. WHILE CALCULATING FUEL FOR THIS FLIGHT, HE FORGOT TO ACCOUNT FOR THE FUEL THAT HAD BEEN BURNED PREVIOUSLY. HE DID NOT REFUEL BEFORE TAKING OFF. DURING THE FLIGHT, HE DIVERTED TO TAKE PICTURES ALONG THE COAST. WHEN THE PILOT RECOGNIZED HIS FUEL STATE, THERE WAS NOT ENOUGH REMAINING TO REACH AN AIRPORT BEFORE THE SUPPLY WOULD EXHAUST. THE AIRCRAFT RAN OUT OF FUEL ABOUT SIX MILES FROM THE DESTINATION AIRPORT. WHILE LANDING IN A FIELD OF WAIST HIGH GRASS AND SOFT TERRAIN, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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