WINNETKA, IL, USA
N9456U
CESSNA 150
APPROXIMATELY 35 MILUTES AFTER DEPARTING ON A LOCAL PLEASURE FLIGHT, THE ENGINE BEGAN TO SPUTTER AFTER THE PILOT MADE A SLIGHT POWER CHANGE. ALL EFFORTS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. BELIEVING HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE IT TO THE NEAREST AIRPORT, THE PILOT DECIDED TO MAKE AN EMERGENCY LANDING ON THE SHORELINE OF LAKE MICHIGAN. THE AIRPLANE LANDED IN SHALLOW WATER AND CAME TO REST INVERTED. POSTACCIDENT INVESTIGATION CONSISTED OF AN ENGINE TEARDOWN AND FUEL SYSTEM EXAMINATION. THE INVESTIGATION REVEALED NO MECHANICAL OR OTHER ANOMALIES WITH THE AIRPLANE OR ENGINE.
On September 16, 1994, at 2110 central daylight time, a Cessna 150, N9456U, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing near Winnetka, Illinois. The airplane came to rest inverted in water approximately 20 feet from the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The 14 CFR Part 91 local pleasure flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without flight plan. In a detailed statement, the pilot reported they departed Palwaukee Airport, Wheeling, Illinois, "after a complete and satisfactory preflight." The pilot stated the engine showed no indications of a problem until after he made a slight power change approximately 35 minutes into the flight. At this time the engine began to sputter. Efforts to correct the problem were unsuccessful. Believing he would not be able to make it to the nearest airport, the pilot decided to make an emergency landing on the beach. The airplane landed in shallow water and came to rest inverted. Postaccident investigation consisted of an engine teardown and fuel system examination. The investigation revealed no mechanical or other anomalies. The airplane log book showed the last inspection was a 100 hour inspection performed on September 9, 1994. The airplane had logged 22 hours since the last inspection.
THE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER DUE TO AN UNDETERMINED REASON. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR THE FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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