CEN20LA239

The pilot reported that he took off from his private airstrip intending to make a touch-and-go landing at his airstrip. He added that, during a turn toward the runway, the engine lost power. Two witnesses saw the airplane collide with power lines. The airplane then impacted terrain and nosed over. The airplane was destroyed by impact and a postimpact fire. A review of the airplane’s flight track revealed that the airplane had been airborne about 1 1/2 hours, flying between two airports. The flight profile was consistent with the pilot conducting touch and go landings at his private airstrip and another airport to the south. The postimpact fire precluded an examination of the airframe or fuel system. An engine examination was performed, but postimpact fire damage precluded the testing of all components. Although the No. 2 cylinder had low compression, examination using a borescope did not reveal any defects. The magnetos were melted and could not be tested. Given the available information, the reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined.

On June 20, 2020, about 1853 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150J airplane, N51033, was destroyed when it was involved in an accident near Millersport, Ohio. The pilot sustained a minor injury. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The pilot reported to law enforcement officers that he took off from his private airstrip and intended to make a touch-and-go landing at his airstrip. He added that, during his turn toward the runway, the engine “gave out.” A witness saw the airplane flying north before it banked west and collided with power lines. Another witness noted the airplane flying low before it turned and impacted the power lines. The airplane then impacted terrain and nosed over. A postimpact fire consumed most of the airplane. The pilot did not submit an accident report form or a written statement to investigators. A review of automatic dependent surveillance-–broadcast (ADS-B) data showed the airplane was first detected at 1721 as the airplane departed from Fairfield County Airport (LHQ), Lancaster, Ohio. The track proceeded north to the pilot’s airstrip where it appeared he flew a low approach or a touch-and-go. The track then proceeded south to LHQ where it appeared the airplane performed a low approach or a touch-and-go before proceeding north again. ADS-B data depicted another complete circuit north to the private airstrip, south to LHQ, and then north. The last ADS-B data was recorded at 1853 near the accident site. Due to the extensive fire damage, investigators were unable to establish how much fuel was on board or examine the fuel system. During an engine examination the compression test found the No. 2 cylinder had low compression, with air leaking through the intake. The intake and exhaust valve moved as the propeller was rotated. The No. 2 cylinder was examined using a borescope; no defects were noted. The magnetos were melted and could not be tested. No other anomalies were noted with the engine.