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NTSB Report

June 23, 2003 · Cessna 150L · N18146

Mount Holly, NJ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 23, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Mount Holly, NJ
Aircraft
Cessna 150L
Tail Number
N18146
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
NYC03LA134

The pilot began the takeoff roll after a normal preflight inspection and engine run up. The airplane accelerated and lifted off normally; however, at an altitude of about 75 feet, the engine began to "cough, sputter and miss." The airplane cleared utility poles and wires located off the departure end of the runway, and the pilot then made a 90-degree turn in an attempt to return to the airport. After the turn, the engine "quit completely" and the pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a soybean field. During the landing, the airplane's nose pitched down and impacted the ground in a nose low attitude. The airplane then flipped over. Examination of the airplane did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Fuel observed in both wing fuel tanks, the gascolator and carburetor was absent of contamination. The pilot reported that the airplane was refueled and flown for about 2/10 of an hour, about 2 weeks prior to the accident. The airplane had been operated for about 7 hours since its most recent annual inspection, which was performed about 4 months prior to the accident.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

Full Narrative

On June 23, 2003, about 1030 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N18146, was substantially damaged during a forced landing, after takeoff from South Jersey Regional Airport (VAY), Mount Holly, New Jersey. The certificated commercial pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local personal flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. During a telephone interview, the pilot stated that he performed a preflight inspection, which included draining fuel samples from both wing fuel tanks. The fuel that was drained from the right fuel tank was clear; however, he initially observed "a few drops of brown fluid" in the fuel that was drained from the left fuel tank. The pilot performed a normal engine run up and departed from the first taxiway intersection of runway 26, a 3,911-foot-long, asphalt runway. The airplane accelerated and lifted off normally; however, at an altitude of about 75 feet, the engine began to "cough, sputter and miss." The airplane cleared the utility poles and wires located off the departure end of the runway, and the pilot then made a 90-degree turn in an attempt to return to the airport. After the turn, the engine "quit completely" and the pilot maneuvered the airplane for a forced landing to a soybean field. During the landing, the airplane's nose pitched down and impacted the ground at approximately a 45 to 50 degree angle. The airplane then flipped over. The pilot reported that the airplane was refueled and flown for about 2/10 of an hour, about 2 weeks prior to the accident. Examination of the airplane conducted by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions. Fuel observed in both wing fuel tanks, the gascolator and carburetor was absent of contamination. Both magnetos produced spark when rotated. The engine was rotated and compression was attained on cylinders two, three, and four. Further examination of the number one cylinder revealed that the cylinder sustained impact damage in the area of the exhaust port, and that the exhaust valve was open. The airplane had been operated for about 7 hours since it's most recent annual inspection, which was performed on February 16, 2003.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:30 EDT
Nearest AirportSouth Jersey Regional (0nm W)
Runway26
Runway Length3911 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150L
Tail NumberN18146
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200A · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 72 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind320° @ 8 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter29.82 inHg
Observation Time14:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data