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NTSB Report

May 3, 2003 · Cessna 150G · N2938J

Montgomery, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 3, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Montgomery, AL
Aircraft
Cessna 150G
Tail Number
N2938J
Operator
Daniel a Wolcott
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA086

During cruise flight at 4500 feet mean sea level, the airplane collided with a flock of geese and began to vibrate violently. The pilot made the decision to land the airplane and located a field for landing. Upon initial touchdown on the field, the pilot realized that the field was marshy and rough, and attempted a go-around. The pilot stated he applied full power, but the airplane struggled to climb as the engine produced "2200 RPM, compared to the normal 2500 takeoff RPM." He noticed a clearing to the left of the airplane, and while turning in the direction of the clearing, the landing gear and left wing clipped the trees. The airplane came to rest on the ground about 30 feet beyond the trees, inverted. The pilot transmitted distress calls over the Columbus Approach frequency and the National Guard frequency. A nearby Air National Guard helicopter was directed to the accident location and airlifted the pilot to a nearby hospital. Examination of the airplane revealed the right and left wing spars were buckled. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported by the pilot prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

The in-flight collision with birds that resulted in a partial loss of engine power, and subsequent in-flight collision with trees while maneuvering for an emergency landing.

Full Narrative

On May 3, 2003, at 1745 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150G, N2938J, registered to Romanair Incorporated and operated by a private pilot, collided with a flock of geese while in cruise flight and conducted an emergency landing into a field near Montgomery, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provision of Title 14 CFR Part 91 and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot received minor injuries. The flight departed Columbus Airport, Columbus, Georgia, at 1449, on May 3, 2003. According to the pilot, during cruise flight at 4500 feet mean sea level, the airplane collided with a flock of geese and began to vibrate violently. The pilot made the decision to land the airplane and located a field for landing. A traffic pattern approach to land was made, and the pilot set the flaps at 20 degrees and slowed to 70 knots. Upon initial touchdown on the field, the pilot realized that the field was marshy, and rough, and attempted a go-around. The pilot stated he applied full power, but the airplane struggled to climb as the engine produced "2200 RPM, compared to the normal 2500 takeoff RPM." He noticed a clearing to the left of the airplane, and while turning in the direction of the clearing, the landing gear clipped a tree. The left wing collided with another tree sending the airplane into a severe yaw to the left. The airplane came to rest on the ground about 30 feet beyond the trees, inverted. The pilot transmitted distress calls over the Columbus Approach frequency and the National Guard frequency. A nearby Air National Guard helicopter was directed to the accident location and airlifted the pilot to a nearby hospital. Examination of the airplane revealed the right and left wing spars were buckled. No mechanical or flight control malfunctions were reported by the pilot prior to the accident.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150G
Tail NumberN2938J
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorDaniel a Wolcott
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 19 · Second Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 8500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter29.98 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data