The pilot reported that, while the Cessna 150 was in cruise flight, the engine power reduced to idle. He noted that the engine was still running but that he was unable to increase power above idle.
He told investigators that the engine acted as if the throttle control was disconnected.
The pilot made a forced landing to a field near Madison, Arkansas. During the forced landing, the airplane’s nose landing gear sunk in the soft ground, and the airplane nosed over.
Examination of the airplane after the accident revealed no usable fuel remaining in the wing fuel tanks, no fuel in the gascolator, and no evidence of a fuel spill at the accident site.
The throttle control connection was checked. Although the carburetor had broken loose from its mount due to impact, evidence indicated that the throttle control was functioning.
The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were conducive for carburetor icing at glide power. However, a power loss during cruise flight and power that rapidly reduces to idle are not consistent with a loss of power due to carburetor icing.
Given the available evidence for this investigation, the pilot failed to adequately plan the fuel for the flight, which resulted in the airplane’s fuel supply to be exhausted, resulting in a total loss of engine power.
Probable Cause: The pilot’s improper planning, which led to fuel exhaustion, and a total loss of engine power.
NTSB Identification: 103130
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This April 2021 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Yep, run the battery down, equals same results. In the end it’s still the pilot malfunced.
Should have had an electric plane!!