Cessna 150
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 161; Flight Crew Total 1685; Flight Crew Type 12
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew Inflight Shutdown; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition
Aircraft; Human Factors
During the enroute portion of the flight to ZZZ; I experienced a loss of power and engine out situation that required a forced landing. The Cessna 150 aircraft had performed as expected for the entirety of the flight leading up to this event. ZZZ was the point of intended landing for a fuel stop. Preflight planning calculations indicated that the flight would require approximately 18 gallons of fuel. With 22.5 gallons of usable fuel on board; the night VFR reserve fuel requirements were met. On initial approach to the airport the engine begin running rough and losing power. Several adjustments were made to remedy the situation; including several restart attempts. Ultimately these efforts proved unsuccessful and the engine lost all power. Given the current winds aloft; distance from the field; and gliding characteristic; it quickly became apparent that landing at the airport would not be a possible option. Upon descending towards an open field; a nearby road appeared as the best viable option to land the aircraft. After touchdown the aircraft rolled to a stop on the side of the county road. There was no injury or damage to any persons or property. Local authorities assisted with securing the aircraft for the night in a nearby opening. The following morning a mechanic inspected the aircraft for possible defects and it was determined that the aircraft was exhausted of fuel. Upon replenishing the fuel tanks with gas; several engine test runs were conducted. The mechanic concluded that there was an issue with the fuel and/or carburetor system and the engine controls were providing an inherently rich fuel mixture. This defect created an excess fuel burn that was undetectable upon preflight inspection. The excess fuel burn rate had caused the engine to deplete the extra fuel throughout the flight and starve the engine of gas causing the engine out situation. The fuel level gauges were also discovered to be displaying inaccurate information. It was noted that the engine tachometer could also possibly be off by 100 rpm. These undetectable circumstances lead to misleading information about the engine performance and fuel status. In the end it was a successful emergency landing with absolutely no damage or injury whatsoever. The aircraft will be scheduled for maintenance; further inspection; and repair in order to remedy all discrepancies and return to service.
C-150 Pilot experienced in flight engine failure.