NTSB Factual Report

On May 3, 2004, approximately 0100 central daylight time, a Cessna 150E single-engine airplane, N3050J, registered to and operated by the pilot, was destroyed during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Goldthwaite, Texas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. Dark night visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The 74-nautical miles cross-country flight originated from the Coleman Municipal Airport (COM), Coleman, Texas, about midnight, and was destined for the Llano Municipal Airport (6R9), Llano, Texas.

Despite attempts by the Investigator-In-Charge to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB form 6120.1/2), a form was not obtained.

The pilot reported to a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that the engine lost power while in cruise flight. The pilot elected to land the airplane in a pasture. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a tree with the left wing, spun around, and collided into a fence.

Examination of the wreckage by a FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed structural damage to the right wing, the tail was bent 90 degrees, and the left wing and fuselage were destroyed. The left fuel tank contained 1/2-gallon of fuel, and the right fuel tank was found empty. The pilot reported to the FAA inspector that he had flown the airplane about 4.3 hours since the last refueling.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate in-flight planning and decision not to refuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion. A contributing factor was the dark night conditions.