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NTSB Report

June 2, 1998 · Cessna 150 · N6486T

Mentone, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 2, 1998
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Mentone, TX
Aircraft
Cessna 150
Tail Number
N6486T
Operator
Desser Oasis
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW98LA204

The student pilot reported that the itinerary for his solo cross-country flight included stops at Mentone and Wink, and a return flight to Pecos. While in cruise flight, the engine began to run rough and the engine RPM dropped to somewhere around 1,200 to 1,500 RPM. After completing his emergency procedures, the pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing on the service road to an operating oil pump. During the precautionary landing on the narrow domed road, with the flaps fully extended, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The pilot added that the right main landing gear tire dug into the sand. The right main landing gear collapsed rearward after striking a large rock. Subsequently, the right wing impacted the ground. The reason for the reported rough running engine was not determined.

NTSB Probable Cause

a partial loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.

Full Narrative

On June 2, 1998, at 1250 central daylight time, a Cessna 150 airplane, N6486T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Mentone, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by the student pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local instructional flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from the Lukins Flying Service airstrip near Pecos, Texas, at approximately 1230. The student pilot reported to the FAA inspector that the itinerary for his solo cross country flight included stops at Mentone and Wink, and a return flight to Pecos. While in cruise flight, the engine began to run rough and the engine RPM dropped to somewhere around 1,200 to 1,500 RPM. After completing his emergency procedures, the pilot elected to execute a precautionary landing on the service road to an operating oil pump, located approximately 2 miles away. During the precautionary landing on the narrow domed road, with the flaps fully extended, the pilot lost control of the airplane. The pilot added that the right main landing gear tire dug into the sand. The right main landing gear collapsed rearward after striking a large rock. Subsequently, the right wing impacted the ground. Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector confirmed that the right wing, the fuselage, and the landing gear attaching point for the right main gear, sustained structural damage. The reason for the reported rough running engine could not be determined; however, the pilot suspected vapor lock. The engine could not be started at the accident site due to a dead battery. According to maintenance records provided by the FAA inspector, the 1960 model airplane had been modified on June 15, 1996, when a 150 horsepower Lycoming O-320-E3D engine was installed to replace the stock 100 horsepower Continental engine. The modification, performed under STC SA4795SW, also featured a larger propeller and the addition of an STOL kit. According to FAA medical records, the student pilot had accumulated a total of 85 hours at the time of his last medical examination on February 11, 1997. His total time at the time of the accident was 107 hours.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:50 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Runway0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150
Tail NumberN6486T
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDesser Oasis
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-E3D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 42 · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point11 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data