NTSB Factual Report

On September 24, 2010, approximately 1700 central daylight time, a Cessna 152 single-engine airplane, N5364H, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a muddy corn field near Tea, South Dakota. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and was destined for Yankton, South Dakota.

According to the pilot, approximately 200 feet above ground level after takeoff, the engine lost total power. The pilot reported the engine did not hesitate or misfire prior to the power loss. The pilot elected to perform a forced landing to a corn field. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted corn stalks and muddy terrain. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. The pilot reported the airplane contained 13 gallons of fuel at the time of the accident.

Examination of the airplane showed the vertical stabilizer was bent. The airplane was recovered for further examination.

On October 7, 2010, under the supervision of a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the airplane was inspected. Examination of the airplane showed that the fuel line inlet fitting to the carburetor was found broken as a result of the accident sequence. No evidence of fuel was noted in the fuel tanks and the tanks were not compromised. Prior to an engine test, a local mechanic who was assisting the inspector, needed to put fuel in the fuel tanks. Subsequently, the Lycoming O-235-L2C (serial number L-20540-15) engine was test run on the airframe using the primer due to the broken fuel line, and the engine operated without any problems at various power settings. The carburetor was disassembled and no anomalies were noted other than the broken fuel inlet fitting.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion as a result of the pilot’s inadequate fuel planning.