Cessna 150H Safety Record

the student pilot's incomplete preflight, and the instructor pilot's inadequate supervision of the student's preflight. Factors were the fuel contaminated with water, and the roadway encountered during the forced landing rollout.

the pilot's failure to assure an adequate fuel supply to complete the flight by refueling the airplane en route resulting in fuel exhaustion. A factor was the hedgerow which was contacted during the landing and the dark night conditions.

The pilot's failure to maintain sufficient airspeed and the subsequent inadvertent stall/spin. Factors were the high density altitude, the high, gusty wind condition, and the diverted attention of the pilot.

The poor in-flight planning by the pilot-in-command for his failure to ask for assistance after becoming lost momentarily, and his failure to monitor the total time airborne after the fuel tanks were filled. Contributing to the accident was the binding of the right fuel tank quantity transmitter resulting in the incorrect reading of the gauge, and inadequate aircraft manuals by the airplane manufacturer for failure to require testing of the fuel quantity indicating system for accuracy. Also contributing was the failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing, and unsuitable terrain encountered by the pilot during the forced landing.

The pilot's inadequate preflight preparation and his inadequate inflight planning which resulted in fuel exhaustion. A factor was lack of suitable terrain for a forced landing.

the pilot's improper decision to depart on a flight without first ensuring the aircraft held sufficient fuel to reach his destination, which resulted in fuel exhaustion. Factors were the high vegetation and rocks at the location of the forced landing.

failure of the cluster gear attaching bolts (of which one failed from fatigue), resulting in a disconnect of the gear and loss of engine power. An obstruction (rock) in the emergency landing area was a related factor.

the pilot's delayed remedial action when encountering downdrafts while approaching high terrain in high density altitude conditions. The pilot's inadequate supervision of the second pilot was a factor in the accident.

The failure of the flaps to retract due to the installation of an incorrect fuse and the inadequate maintenance/inspections performed on the system; and the pilot-in-command's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed while maneuvering for a forced landing, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/mush.

The attempt by the pilot to operate the aircraft with a float known to be leaking. A factor was the pilot's lack of experience in the operation of float equipped aircraft.

failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during a go-around. A factor relating to the accident was: improper flare by the pilot during the landing.

the pilot's inadequate preflight and failure to follow the checklist to ensure that the fuel selector valve was in the ON position, which resulted in fuel starvation and subsequent loss of engine power. In addition, the pilot failed to maintain airspeed during the forced landing which resulted in an inadvertent stall.

the student pilot's misreading of the altimeter while in the traffic pattern, which put the aircraft in dangerous proximity to the ground and obstructions. A factor in the accident was the pilot's inability to see the power pole due to sun glare as the aircraft turned onto base from downwind.

THE PILOT'S EVASIVE MANUEVER TO TAKE OFF WITH INSUFFICIENT RUNWAY AVAILABLE FOR ATTAINING TAKEOFF AIRSPEED. FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE UNAUTHORIZED USE OF THE AIRPLANE, THE PILOT'S ANXIETY, AND THE DARK NIGHT.