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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 5, 2011 · Cessna 150L · N11280

Punta Gorda, FL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 5, 2011
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Punta Gorda, FL
Aircraft
Cessna 150L
Tail Number
N11280
Operator
Johnson William H
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA12LA009

According to the pilot, the airplane experienced a partial loss of engine power on final approach, and he made a forced landing off airport property; the airplane collided with the airport perimeter fence. Examination of the fuel system revealed that it was contaminated with water and rust. Although the pilot stated that he had completed a preflight inspection and found water in the fuel, he likely did not adequately sump the fuel system to remove the contamination.

NTSB Probable Cause

The partial loss of engine power due to contamination of the fuel system that was not detected because of the pilot’s inadequate preflight inspection.

Full Narrative

On October 5, 2011, at 1055 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N11280, experienced a partial loss of engine power while approaching to land and collided with the airport perimeter fence at Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), Punta Gorda, Florida. The airplane sustained structural damage to the airframe and wings. The airplane was registered to a private owner and operating as a personal flight under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot was not injured. The flight originated from Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport (GIF), Winter Haven, Florida, at 1000. According to the pilot, he departed GIF on cross country flight to PGD. Upon arrival he entered a downwind for runway 09. While turning on final approach the engine experienced a partial loss of engine power. The airplane landed short of the runway and on landing roll collided with airport perimeter fence. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed the left and right main fuel caps did not match and the fuel cap seals were deteriorated. The fuel tanks were sumped; and a half jar of rust and water was recovered from the left tank. The pilot stated in the interview with the inspector that he found water in the fuel during his preflight. A cursory examination was performed on the engine and an engine run-up was conducted. The engine ran successfully but could only be advanced to 1,500 rpm due to a bent propeller as result of the accident. No other anomalies were noted with the engine.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:55 EDT
Nearest AirportPunta Gorda Airport (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 150L
Tail NumberN11280
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohnson William H
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-200 SERIES · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind80° @ 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point63 F
Altimeter30.12 inHg
Observation Time14:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data