NTSB Factual Report

On August 8, 2003, at 2019 central daylight time, a Cessna 150K, N6501G, piloted by a student pilot, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Anderson, Missouri. The solo cross-country instructional flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 and was on a visual flight rules (VFR) flight plan. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The flight departed Neosho-Hugh Robinson Airport (EOS), Neosho, Missouri, at 1630 and was planning to return there after making landings at three intermediate airports.

The pilot stated that her planned itinerary was a four-leg cross-country flight from EOS to Neveda (NVD), Stockton (MO3), Monett (M58), and then to return to EOS. She noted that she completed full stop landings at NVD and MO3, and taxied back for takeoff without shutting the engine down. The pilot reported that while en route to MO3 she got disoriented, finally approaching the airport from the east side of Stockton Lake. The airport (MO3) is located along the west side of the lake.

The pilot reported landing at M58 at 1920. She noted she made a full stop landing and stopped to call her flight instructor and flight service. She stated that the aircraft was not refueled at that time. She recalled departing for EOS at 1940.

The pilot reported that while in cruise flight, about 2,300 feet above sea level (MSL) enroute to EOS, "the engine started to sputter." The engine subsequently stopped producing power. She stated that she applied carburetor heat and set up for a forced landing.

During the course of the landing the engine regained power briefly, according to the pilot. She reported she was not sure if the aircraft climbed during the time engine power was regained or if the descent rate just leveled off. She stated that while the engine was producing power, she turned to the right to avoid a tree line ahead of the aircraft. However, the engine again lost power and during the turn the aircraft impacted the ground.

The pilot reported no problems with the aircraft or engine prior to the loss of engine power.

A post-accident inspection was conducted. A total of 1-3/4 gallons of fuel was recovered from the aircraft. An examination of the engine verified continuity via crankshaft rotation. Compression was obtained at all cylinders. Each spark plug produced a spark when the crankshaft was rotated.

Weather conditions enroute to EOS were "excellent" with unlimited visibility and clear skies, according to the pilot's statement.

Conditions recorded at the Joplin Regional Airport (JLN), located 32 miles north of the accident site, at 1953, were clear skies, 10 miles visibility and surface winds from 070 degrees at 4 knots. Conditions recorded at 2053 were unchanged from the previous hour.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol Incident Report stated: "[The pilot] stated she believed her aircraft was out of fuel and she attempted to make an emergency landing."

The aircraft owner's manual notes the unusable fuel quantity as 3-1/2 gallons.

According to the pilot's logbook, she had accumulated 29.8 hours total flight time. She began flight training in September 2001 and logged 16.7 hours through August 2002. Between August 2002 and June 2003 there were no entries. From June 2003 through August 2003, she logged an additional 13.1 hours. The pilot had a total solo flight time recorded of 1.0 hour and 5 landings.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot becoming lost/disoriented. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate in-flight planning/decision.