PETERSBURG, IN, USA
N8196S
Cessna 150
The pilot was flying at a low altitude above ground level, near a relatives house. The pilot was looking out the window of the airplane when he noticed that the airplane's sink rate had become excessive. Aircraft pitch attitude and power were increased by the pilot in an attempt to miss approaching trees. The airplane settled into the top of the trees. No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot. Under recommendations for how this accident could have been prevented the pilot wrote 'more altitude/more airspeed.'
On March 23, 1997 at 1400 eastern standard time (est), a Cessna 150, N8196S, sustained substantial damage when the airplane impacted with trees while maneuvering at low altitude near Petersburg, Indiana. The commercial rated pilot was flying near a relatives house, at the time of the accident. The pilot was not injured in the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight originated from Washington, Indiana, at 1315 est. The pilot reported on the pilot operator accident report, NTSB form 6120.1/2, that he was on a personal flight, when he decided to fly by his relative's house. After the first pass by the house, the pilot reported that he turned the airplane to a west bound heading, and slowed the airplane. The pilot stated that he was looking out the window of the airplane when he noticed that the airplane's sink rate had become excessive. In an attempt to miss approaching trees, the pilot increased the pitch attitude and power on the airplane. Upon reaching the trees, the pilot reported, the airplane settled into the top of the trees. After settling into the trees the airplane pitched over, and the pilot reported that he pulled the throttle back. No mechanical malfunctions were reported by the pilot. Under recommendations for how this accident could have been prevented the pilot wrote "more altitude/more airspeed." The leading edges of the wings and horizontal were crushed. The right wing strut, cowling, engine mount, and propeller were bent.
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed, which resulted in a stall. Low altitude flight is a contributing factor.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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