Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA03LA020

Powells Point, NC, USA

Aircraft #1

N10905

Cessna 150L

Analysis

While at 2,000 feet the pilot said he started to notice "a sudden and steady loss of power and altitude." He applied carburetor heat, and attempted to troubleshoot the problem with no results. He felt that he was too low to extend the flight to reach the nearest airport, and elected to land in an open field. After touchdown the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over. Post crash examination of the engine and airframe did not reveal any discrepancies.

Factual Information

On November 28, 2002, about 1250 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150L, N10905, registered to and operated by an individual, impacted with a ditch during a forced landing in an open field, and nosed over near Powells Point, North Carolina. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and no flight plan was filed for the 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight. The airplane was substantially damaged. The private-rated pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Manteo, North Carolina, at 1240. According to the pilot, while at 2,000 feet he started to notice "a sudden and steady loss of power and altitude." He applied carburetor heat, and attempted to troubleshoot the problem with no results. He felt that he was too low to extend the flight to reach the nearest airport, and elected to land in an open field. After touchdown the airplane struck a ditch and nosed over. According to the FAA inspector's statement, the on-scene investigation revealed that the fuel selector was found "on," the carburetor heat control was found pulled to "on" position, fuel was found in the fuel line between fuel pump and carburetor, the flight controls were inspected for control and continuity with no defects noted, and no discrepancies were found with the engine.

Probable Cause and Findings

a loss of engine power for undetermined reason resulting in damage to the airplane during the subsequent forced landing.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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