ATL94FA137

The two reserve deputy sheriffs overheard a report of a missing person on their radio scanners. The two then rented the aircraft from the local airport and departed at 2030 to attempt to assist in the search. Witnesses in the area reported that the aircraft was maneuvering at an altitude of about 100 feet above ground level in the mountainous terrain. The witnesses reported hearing the engine RPM increase just prior to the accident. The aircraft impacted the terrain, in a stalled condition, at the base of a small valley.

History of flight

On July 11, 1994, at 2300 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N18714 was substantially damaged following a collision with terrain near Greenville, Tennessee. The private pilot and his passenger were both fatally injured in the accident. The aircraft was being operated under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91 by the pilot. Visual meteorological condition existed at the time, and no flight plan had been filed for the local aerial observation flight. The flight departed the Greenville, Tennessee Airport about 2230.

According to witnesses, the aircraft was participating in a search and rescue flight to assist local authorities. The aircraft was maneuvering at less than 100 feet above ground level. The witnesses stated that they observed the aircraft approaching a residence at an altitude lower than the residence (about 100 feet above the bottom of the valley). The witnesses reported hearing the aircraft engine revolution per minute increase just prior to impact with the terrain. The aircraft impacted the terrain in a nose down attitude.

Personnel information

The pilot held a private pilot certificate with airplane single engine rating. He held a third class medical certificate with no waivers or limitations.

The pilot's log books reflected a total of 106 hours of flight time recorded, and a total of 33 hours of night flight time.

Additional personnel information may be obtained in this report on page 3 under section titled First Pilot Information.

Aircraft information

The Cessna 150L is a two place, single engine, fixed tricycle gear airplane.

Additional aircraft information may be obtained in this report on page 2 under section titled Aircraft Information.

Meteorological information

The weather at the time of the accident was suitable for flight under visual flight rules. Witnesses reported that it was a dark night with overcast skies.

Additional meteorological information may be obtained in this report on page 3 under section titled Weather Information.

Wreckage and impact information

The aircraft impacted the terrain on a heading of 212 degrees at the base of a small valley in the mountainous terrain. There was extensive leading edge crushing of both wings from the fuselage outward to the wing tips. The fuselage was broken just aft of the cabin section of the aircraft.

There was continuity of the engine drive train. The propeller showed signs of chordwise scratching, and twisting toward low pitch.

Medical and pathological information

An autopsy of the pilot was conducted by Dr. William McCormick of the Upper East Tennessee Forensic Center in Johnson City, Tennessee. The medical examiner stated that the cause of death of the pilot was multiple blunt trauma associated with the accident.

A toxicological examination of the pilot was conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration Toxicology and Accident Research Laboratory in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The toxicological report was negative for the use of drugs and ethanol.

Additional information

The aircraft wreckage was released to the owners insurance representative, Mrs. Debbie Jo Tennis, on July 13, 1994.