# NTSB CHI93LA335: Cessna 150J, N74GT, Rochester, IN, August 22, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 22, 1993, 15:45 local (20:45 UTC)
- Place: Rochester, IN
- Coordinates: 41.060649, -86.190628 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.0606&lon=-86.1906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9291
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA335
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9291/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA335

## Probable cause

the commercial pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - fluid,fuel - contamination
  - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

SHORTLY AFTER THE PILOT TURNED THE AIRPLANE BACK TOWARD THE AIRPORT, THERE WAS A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER.  THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE ENSUING FORCED LANDING.  THE PILOT REPORTED HE '...PROBABLY GOT WATER IN THE GAS LINE DURING (45 DEGREE) RIGHT TURN.'  HE STATED THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL FAILURE.  THE AIRPLANE WAS OPERATING ON AUTOMOTIVE FUEL.

## Factual narrative

On August 22, 1993, at 1545 hours eastern standard time, a Cessna 150J, N74GT, piloted by the commercial pilot/airplane owner, experienced a loss of engine power while inbound to land at the Rochester Fulton County Airport, Rochester, Indiana.  The airplane sustained substantial damage during the off-airport forced landing.  The pilot received minor injuries, the one passenger reported no injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed.  The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Rochester, Indiana at 1515 hours.

The pilot reported the 13 year old passenger took photographs and handled the flight controls for a few minutes during the local pleasure flight.  He stated when they turned back toward the airport he "...did a 45 degree bank to the right - a short time later, engine quit - probably got water in the gas line during right turn."  The pilot attempted to return to the airport, but was unable to glide the estimated five mile distance.  The airplane landed on a "...large factory lawn..." and nosed over.  The pilot stated there was no mechanical malfunction.  The airplane was fueled with automotive gasoline.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N74GT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N74GT), registered now, S/N 15070302, built 1969 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 150J
- Registry model: [Cessna 150J](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-150j) (registry code 2071820) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15070302
- Engines: CONTINENTAL O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Thompson, Gene D.
- Registered owner: Thompson, Gene D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, July 2, 1993, 20 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 72; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 1,008 total, 474 in this make and model, 1,008 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 120° at 2 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 13,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 79 °F, dew point 55 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GUS, 28 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19930822030019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930822030019A), Aug 22, 1993: Cessna 150J, Rochester, IN, Substantial damage. Lost power on approach to airport. Sustained damage on off airport forced landing. Beleive water in auto fuel.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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