NTSB Factual Report

On February 12, 2011, approximately 1700 central standard time, a Cessna 150G airplane, N3257J, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Springdale Municipal Airport (KASG), Springdale, Arkansas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The commercial pilot and private pilot sustained minor injuries. The cross-country flight had departed Hot Springs, Arkansas, and was en route to KASG.

According to the accident report form submitted by the commercial pilot, he and the private pilot were returning to KASG after spending the day in Hot Springs. While on final to runway 18, the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. The airplane impacted terrain in a nose low attitude and came to rest adjacent to a fence, several hundred yards short of the runway. The fuselage was bent downward just forward of the empennage.

During the recovery of the airplane, a total of 1.75 gallons of fuel was recovered from both wing fuel tanks. The fuel tanks had not been compromised. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that this airplane had an unusable fuel total of 3 gallons. The commercial pilot reported to law enforcement personnel that they had not refueled prior to their return flight.

According to the commercial pilot, he was not acting in the capacity of a flight instructor, nor was he acting as pilot in command. He was occupying the right seat. According to an affidavit submitted by the private pilot, he was not acting as pilot in command. The commercial pilot reported the private pilot was occupying the left seat and was flying at the time of the accident.

Local law enforcement reported that the commercial pilot had consumed several beers prior to the flight and smelled of alcohol.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s improper fuel management, which resulted in a loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.